Last weekend saw the much-anticipated return of one of St Andrews’ most celebrated events, drawing in hundreds of students, alumni, and anyone lucky enough to secure a ticket. But what exactly makes Oktoberfest so special?
Inspired by the legendary German beer festival, St Andrews’ Oktoberfest brilliantly captures the boisterous, beer-fuelled spirit of its Bavarian namesake. From the clinking of oversized steins to the sea of Dirndls and Lederhosen, the event offers a refreshing (and more comfortable) departure from the usual black-tie soirées that dominate the St Andrews social scene. The lively atmosphere, complete with traditional German music and an abundance of beer, makes for a truly immersive experience.
That said, St Andrews does have a habit of misplacing its events; Oktoberfest is in March, May Ball in April. Yet, despite the questionable timing, Oktoberfest remains one of the most anticipated events of the year, proving that when it comes to dressing up, good beer, and great company, the calendar is irrelevant.
Of course, dressing the part isn’t without its challenges; many attendees find themselves scrambling for the perfect outfit right up until the morning of the event. But for those who manage to pull it off, the result is a day of revelry, camaraderie, and an electric energy that sets Oktoberfest apart as a staple of the St Andrews social calendar.
Upon arriving at Kinkell Byre, most students make a beeline for the bar, where they purchase drink tokens; an absolute bargain at just £6. This streamlined system keeps the bar running smoothly, ensuring that even as the crowds pour in, drinks are dispensed quickly with minimal queuing. With steins in hand, students gravitate toward the long communal tables, perhaps out of necessity, as holding a litre of beer for an extended period quickly proves to be a workout.
If, like me, the thought of drinking only beer all day fills you with slight dread, fear not; there are alternative drinks available. That said, if you’re after the iconic Oktoberfest photo with a stein in hand, it might be worth pushing through. After all, some sacrifices are necessary for the perfect shot.
What follows is an afternoon of lively drinking, animated conversation, and the occasional burst of dancing, all set against the backdrop of a buzzing Oktoberfest atmosphere. But the fun doesn’t stop there; one of the event’s standout features is the free ride, an absolute must-try. However, be warned: hopping on after a few too many steins is a risky move and often ends in disaster (or at the very least, a rather unfortunate mess).
Perhaps the only real criticism of Oktoberfest, aside from the irony of it not actually taking place in October, is the challenge of securing a ticket. Entry is determined by a random ballot, with those fortunate enough to win a table getting to select ten friends to join them. This system inevitably leads to a frantic scramble on the release day, as students desperately try to secure a coveted spot at one of St Andrews’ most in-demand events.
Yet, despite the mad rush for tickets, Oktoberfest continues to live up to its reputation year after year. A day filled with Dirndls, oversized steins, and unapologetic day drinking; what’s not to love?
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