Oktoberfest: Events across Newcastle to celebrate the German festival in 2023

Oktoberfest celebrated its opening once again this week with thousands of people from across the world heading to Munich to celebrate the 188th edition of the famous carnival which sees traditional dress, beer and celebrations take over major cities in Bavaria.

Celebrations based on the German carnival have become a worldwide phenomenon with cities across the globe hosting Bavarian-style weekends, and Newcastle is no different.

So what is happening across the city this year?

The largest Oktoberfest celebration is taking place at Times Square in the city centre which is being transformed into “the biggest Bavarian party in the north” according to organisers.

Running from Friday, October 13, the site is promising a huge beer hall, Oompah bands as well as traditional dress.

The beer hall is estimated to hold up to 2,000 people with street food and traditional German meals available including currywurst and frankfurters.

Tickets are available to book online for the three weekends of festivities for £10.

The final day of the event will be on Saturday, October 28.

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On the other side of the Tyne, Gateshead’s Central pub will be hosting a weekend of Bavarian celebrations. The pub is dusting off its Bavarian bunting and flags and is promising a range of traditional beers from Thursday, September 28 until Sunday, October 1.

In addition to drinks, staff will be making a Pichelsteiner which will be available for free on the Friday and Saturday evenings while using potato bread from a local bakery on the side.