Preparations are well underway for Clacton Pier’s next Wunderbar event which is set to return bigger and better with plenty of fun, entertainment, food and beer.
Oktoberfest, which hails from Bavaria and is more than 200 years old, was staged for the first time in 2023 and proved a huge success across four days and two weekends.
This year it has been expanded to nine days over three weekends – and will include Friday nights for the first time.
A larger marquee will be set up on the front of the pier outside the Boardwalk Bar and Grill to meet the expected demand.
Ein Kline Oompah Band will be back providing the music along with Tailfeathers and a presenter from the Experiences Group, along with two performers, who will help bring the whole event together.
Harry Peek, the pier’s General Manager, said Oktoberfest will include all the best of last year along with a few tweaks and additions.
“Friday nights will provide a very different atmosphere to the daytime and we hope they will go down well,” he said.
“It was a totally new event last time so we have seen what worked and what needed improving. We are putting measures in place to help reduce queueing times for food and drink.
“We are one of the few Oktoberfests where you do not have to book in advance – and you only have to pay for what you eat and drink . There are now just five weeks to go until the event begins!”
The dates are September 20, 21 and 22; September 27, 28 and 29 as well as October 4, 5 and 6. Fridays will be 5pm to 10pm and weekends 1pm to 7pm.
“The marquee will be fully decorated and there will be long tables and benches inside so just turn up with friends and family and enjoy the festivities,” added Mr Peek.
“A special swing grill will be used to cook the food and extra beer stations are being brought in.
“The aim is to create the true Hofbrauhaus atmosphere with lots of audience participation so get ready to dust off your lederhosen and costumes, fill up your steins, munch on a Bratwurst and have lots of fun.
“Our supplier is the UK’s market leader for authentic German sausages and there will be a number of German beers on tap. Sidney, the pier’s mascot, has even ordered his own Oktoberfest outfit and will be around to meet the children.”
This week the pier is supporting the Clacton Airshow with a spectacular free fireworks display with music themed to a journey through more than 100 years of British aviation history. It will follow the night flights on Thursday (22nd).
There is a further free fireworks display on Sunday (25th) to mark the bank holiday.
