BAVARIAN beer and culture flowed through Swindon over the weekend for the return of Oktoberfest.

Despite a wet and windy start on Friday the annual Oktoberfest saw Swindon come together to the event, which recreates the traditional German Volkfest held in Munich every year at the end of September.

Crowds filled the blue marquee at the county ground, listening to live music from the Brasswurst Bavarian brass band, which played oom-pah classics and well known hits in traditional oom-pah style.

By 7pm on Saturday the beer hall was already full with drinkers looking for a seat to enjoy a two pint stein of beer before the opening of the night with the traditional song Ein Prosit - a toast.

The Friday night bore the brunt of Storm Callum, which brought heavy wind and rain for much of the evening, but this didn’t put off Swindonians looking for a good night out.

Martin Baker, event director for Oktoberfest, told the Adver: “It was a great night on Friday, the hardy people came out in force despite the troubling conditions. The wind was very strong but we still had a really good attendance.

“More than 90 per cent of people that bought tickets still came along, so it showed that people still wanted to have a great time.

“I think it’s something very different, it’s not going to a pub or nightclub, it’s a different atmosphere, most people dress up in lederhosen, everyone’s looking for a good time. There’s none of the negatives that surround other events.

“We’ve got oom-pah bands, ukelele players, and the steins of beer, it’s a completely immersive experience.

“People still enjoy the fun things of Europe and this is definitely one of them. It’s a great cultural history all the way from Bavaria, people can put politics to side for one night and have a great time.”

Ben Goodey, from Old Town, dressed in full lederhosen, told the Adver: “It’s just brilliant isn’t it. I think people have really got into the Bavarian spirit and the dressing up part. It’s the first time I’ve come, but we’re here with a massive group and just having a great time.”

Danny Payne, from Haydon Wick, said: “It’s really good because it brings so many people in Swindon together. Look at the diversity of people here. I’ve been to Berlin for Oktoberfest and the only difference is you can’t get on the tables and start dancing.

“We were in the VIP area last year but you don’t get the same atmosphere. It’s good for the town, there should be a lot more things like this happening.”

The real Oktoberfest attracts some six million people to Munich, in Bavaria, for the 16-day event.