Oktoberfest Preview

What always confused me about Oktoberfest in St. Andrews is why it’s in March. Surely October would be more fitting; it is Oktoberfest after all. When students found themselves impatiently […]

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What always confused me about Oktoberfest in St. Andrews is why it’s in March. Surely October would be more fitting; it is Oktoberfest after all. When students found themselves impatiently waiting for another chance to celebrate the German festival, St Andrews founded its own version in the spring. Oktoberfest is wild, it’s fun, it’s authentic and it’s an internationally famous and anticipated event. This is pretty evident, as international tickets sold out in less than 4 minutes.

Different from FS and DONT WALK, May Ball and Welly Ball, Oktoberfest is an all-day affair where dirndl-wearing, beer-drinking partying awaits lucky guests. Last year was my first time at Oktoberfest and I have never been so overwhelmed by the dedication to authenticity. It felt like you were in Munich whilst you walked down Market Street. The decorations, the clothes, even the band, who again will be flown in from Germany for this year’s event, were all true to form. It will be an accumulation of the 13 weekends Munich celebrates Oktoberfest, all fused into one extraordinary day.

The attire is traditional, so make sure you get yourself a dirndl or lederhosen. For those who don’t have dirndls passed down from your ancestors, it’s possible to buy real ones online. Dirndls are ideally knee-length, tight around the bodice, with an apron and a square neckline. There is no uniform or boundaries for hair, though plaits prove to be very popular. Ballerinas are generally worn with dirndls, without socks; however, lots of people wear converses to Oktoberfest because your shoes probably won’t survive the night.

This year, Oktoberfest is supporting TCCL—Tayside Children with Cancer and Leukaemia. It aims to raise £20,000 this year alone, and has raised £100,000 in total for charity. TCCL supports families with children who have suffered from cancer, who struggle physically, practically, emotionally, and financially with the intensive, intrusive treatment regime and the inevitable disruption it brings to family life. This charity has done astounding work and Oktoberfest has developed very strong connections through their work with the group.

Oktoberfest is an extraordinary, authentic German experience. It is really not to be missed!