WINDHOEK, 20 SEPTEMBER 2017

The excitement by attendees to the official launch of the annual 2017 Windhoek Oktoberfest simply echoed this event’s status as the favorite on the annual entertainment calendar for thousands of Namibians. 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), the 2017 annual Windhoek Oktoberfest, celebrating its 59th anniversary this year was officially launched on Tuesday, 19 September in the spirit of the Bavarian culture this event so vividly embraces.

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, the launch event took place at the NBL Headquarters in Windhoek.

Authenticity and Culture

At least 5000 people - both from abroad and locally annually attend the Windhoek Oktoberfest, which is marked as the best Oktoberfest in Africa and is but a part of the global Oktoberfest celebrated all over the world. Head of the Windhoek Oktoberfest organizing committee, Norbert Wurm at the launch emphasized on how this global event has been ‘Namibianized’ to cater for and accommodate local supporters. Wurm: “Yes, the Oktoberfest originated from Germany, but while the Windhoek Oktoberfest also embraces the culture from which this event originated, it is not entirely a ‘German party’ as such, but rather celebrates and appreciates culture in Namibia as well. The Windhoek Oktoberfest is all about passion, people, and authenticity and of course, Namibian beer. We have to cater for everyone, especially our Namibian supporters that have kept this event alive for almost 6 decades.”

According to member of the Windhoek Oktoberfest organizing committee, Gero von der Wense, on the global front in Munich where the Oktoberfest originated, at least six million people from all over the world attend the event annually. The Oktoberfest initially started in the 19th century (1810), and has grown to become the biggest festival in the world today. Von der Wense: “In addition to the popular authentic family games that traditionally forms part of the Oktoberfest, which include log sawing and beer lifting to high striker and mechanical bull riding, and the vast range of traditional cuisines, the 2017 event will also host a new dance act and an extra band. Of course, the Windhoek Oktoberfest will not be the same without the presence of Authentic German music with the world’s coolest Oktoberfest band straight from Munich – The Kirchdorfer!”

Cape Town gets an extra day

While the 2017 Windhoek Oktoberfest will run its course over the traditional two-day period, on the 27 and 28th of October at the SKW, the Cape Town Windhoek Oktoberfest which will be held for the third consecutive year, will however have a third day added to the calendar for this year’s event, which will take place on the 20th, 21st and 22nd of October at the Hillcrest Quarry, Durbanville. Wurm: “The Windhoek Oktoberfest in Cape Town has grown so popular since its inception in 2015 that we added a third day to the event – a request from Cape Town supporters”.

Win a flight for two people to Munich with Eurowings

Eurowings stepped on board as a sponsor for the 2017 Windhoek Oktoberfest, and everyone who buys a ticket before the 27th of October, stands a chance to win a return trip for two to Munich, on their 1st inaugural flight on the 8th May 2018. Tickets to the Windhoek Oktoberfest are available at Webtickets, at any Pick & Pay (PnP) outlet in the country, or can be purchased online at www.webtickets.com.na.