From log sawing and beer lifting to high striker and mechanical bull riding, the annual 2016 Windhoek Oktoberfest will once again bring to the table a cultural celebration coupled with good food, authentic games and loads of fun for the entire family, as it has become known for over the past years.

The annual 2016 Windhoek Oktoberfest, brought to life through a partnership between Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group and the Sports Klub Windhoek (SKW) - 58 years ago was officially launched on Tuesday, 11 October in the spirit of the Bavarian culture this event so vividly embraces. The launch event showcased a true reflection of the excitement that comes with the annual Windhoek Oktoberfest - from the authentic German music in the background enjoyed by guests in traditional Bavarian attire (the ‘Lederhosen’ for the gents, and ‘Dirndl’ for the ladies) to the specially brewed ‘Festbier’ and scrumptious traditional German cuisine such as ‘bratwurst’ and ‘pretzels’, amongst others.

NBL Brew Master, Christian Müller – also a member of the organizing committee - shed light on the Beer Purity Law of 1516, the Reinheitsgebot that celebrates its 500th anniversary in 2016, and stressed on the authenticity and rich history and culture which this brewing philosophy and the Oktoberfest have in common. Müller: “We proudly brew according to the Reinheitsgebot – a recipe that highly contributes to the world-class quality our products have become known for and are extremely proud to be associated with this historical event – the Windhoek Oktoberfest – which complements the authenticity and passion with which we craft our beers.”

The Windhoek Oktoberfest is marked as the biggest Oktoberfest in Africa with an annual turn-up of at least 5000 people from within Namibia, and abroad, and is but a part of the global Oktoberfest celebrated all over the world. NBL Global Sponsorship and Events Manager, and member of the Windhoek Oktoberfest organizing committee, Ian Stevenson: “Although the Oktoberfest originated from Germany, the Windhoek Oktoberfest is not a German party as such but celebrates and appreciates culture in Namibia.”

The Windhoek Oktoberfest, as well as the Windhoek Oktoberfest in Cape Town which will be held for the second consecutive year on the 21st and 22nd of October at the Hillcrest Quary, Durbanville, will be enriched by the presence of Authentic German music with the world’s coolest Oktoberfest band straight from Munich – The Kirchdorfer!

Tickets to the Windhoek Oktoberfest are available at Computicket, at any Shoprite/Checkers outlet in the country.