Now into its third year, Oktoberfest is an ever-growing event at Alton Towers Resort. TowersTimes visited last weekend to see how this oomptastic event has evolved for 2022.
The event is again predominantly situated on the Front Lawns, which is the location of the Festival Arena. The main stage (or Wiesn Stage, which appropriately translates as meadows) to the right of the lawns is fronted by many picnic benches, stand-up beer barrel tables, food stalls, fire pits and of course bars to serve both alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. The large inflatable entrance has again returned, forming a gateway to greet attendees. The traditional bunting dons the whole of Towers Street, with a Maypole erected at the the bottom end of the street. You are also greeted by the sounds of oompah music coming down the street.
Entertainment start at the earlier time of 11:30am this year. Although it should be noted that show times over the course of the day vary depending on the ride close time on the day that you are visiting. Therefore, it is best to check the entertainments boards on entrance to the lawns and the courtyard, as well as the Resort’s website.
Again this year entertainment includes live vocalists, dancers, themed characters and the ever so enjoyable Oompah Band. There are also various roaming entertainers and characters wowing the crowds, such as The Barrel Monks, Beer and Bubbles, and new addition the Clockmaker. The scheduling is the same as last year being so the entertainment finishes a hour after ride close, e.g. if ride close is at 7pm, the entertainment continues up until 8pm.
Another staging area is in the Mutiny Bay Courtyard. A small stage has again been erected here, where various live acts perform throughout the day. The line-up includes: Oktoberfest Singsong Shindig, hosted by Bierkeller Landlady Fraulin Helga singing many classics; Gitarrenpatei, guitarists providing vocals while you drink away; and the Bierkeller Oompah Show that provides plenty of audience participation. A temporary pathway has been laid between the Courtyard and the Front Lawns, leading to a couple of huge inflatable Steins – perfect for a photo opportunity.
Now, no Oktoberfest would be complete without the food and the beverage offerings to complement this event! Drinks are served in both the Mutiny Bay Courtyard and on the Front Lawns. The two story Wunder Bay is back serving Spaten, Camden Pale Ale, Stella Artois, Franziskaner Weissbier, and, for cider lovers, Magners Dark Fruit and Magners Original, amongst various soft drinks. Food options include the ever popular bratwursts, hog roast, loaded fries, and meatballs. New for this year is the spicy sausage challenge, which consists of three normal sized sausages, each varying in how spicy hot they are, and costing £15. We recommend a cold drink on hand to ease the heat on your tongue! There are plenty of offerings for those who like more of a sweet option including toasted marshmallows, pretzels and various other amount of sweet treats. Another new addition for 2022 is locally sourced salted caramel pretzel ice cream. Stalls are predominantly on the Front Lawns, but there is also some food available in the Mutiny Bay Courtyard. Only card payments are accepted with no Merlin Annual Pass discount.
Oktoberfest merchandise is available to buy at the Souvenir Store, located on the Front Lawns within the Festival Arena. A wide selection is available from branded steins, mugs, plushes, and key rings, as well as hats, T-shirts and hoodies. Again, this is card payment only.
Oktoberfest is arguably the most fun event on Alton Towers Resort’s calendar. This year’s offering is largely similar to that of 2021, but that is no bad thing. The main entertainment on the Front Lawns is a particular highlight, seeing some of the best audience participation the Resort has to offer over the course of the season – everybody singing along to the songs from the Oompah band truly makes this a jovial event. For a more intimate setting, the Mutiny Bay Courtyard is the ideal location, with food and drink all close at hand to keep the taste buds dancing too. Oktoberfest has become one of the staple events at Alton Towers Resort.
The event runs daily until Sunday 2nd October, with park hours varying between 10am-4pm to 10am-7pm. Please check the website or app for exact opening times, as well as show times.
Have you experienced Oktoberfest yet this year, or are you planning a visit to the event in the coming weeks? Let us know on our social media channels.
