This past weekend saw the Bavarian festivities and oomptastic atmosphere of Oktoberfest return to Alton Towers Resort! Now an established part of the Resort’s event line-up, TowersTimes visited to experience all that this event has to offer in its fourth year.
The heart of Oktoberfest is once again the Front Lawns, which is the location of the Festival Arena and the appropriately named Lawn Stage – the main venue for the event’s entertainment. In front of the stage are plenty of picnic benches, with food stalls, bars and fire pits can be found located around the perimeter. From the top of Towers Street, which is decorated with the traditional bunting and pretzel-adorned wreaths, guests make their way towards the Maypole at the bottom and of course the now iconic inflatable entrance. Some additional photo opportunities have been added for 2023, including a new backdrop featuring a neon Oktoberfest sign.
As with last year’s event, entertainment starts at 11:30am and then continues until around one hour after the ride close time – this is 6pm on Friday – Sunday and 5pm on Monday – Thursday. Unfortunately the later ride close times of 7pm and even 8pm seen in previous years do not feature. Boards at the entrances to both the Front Lawns and Mutiny Bay Courtyard display full details of the show times for the respective day, with these also detailed on the Resort’s app.
The entertainment offering remains similar to prior seasons, featuring live music from The Oomparty Band and Le Beat Party Band, in addition to sing-alongs, dancing and Oktoberfest mascot Darwin the Dodo. On Fridays – Sundays during the event The Oomparty Band perform their full 6-piece stage show, with their oompah duo then performing on Monday – Thursday dates. There are also various roaming entertainers and characters interacting with guests, such as Alpine Horn Man, The Barrel Monks, Beer and Bubbles and the Clockmaker. All of these characters then come together to close out the event at the end of each day.
A secondary stage can be found in the Mutiny Bay Courtyard, which doubles as a Bierkeller during Oktoberfest. Accordionist Robert Burton returns to perform, with other entertainment in the form of live music and sing-alongs. Entertainment here finishes slightly earlier than on the Lawn Stage.
Of course it wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without the German-themed food and beverage offerings to complement the event! Drinks are served both on the Front Lawns, where the two storey Wunder Bar is back, and in the Mutiny Bay Courtyard, from The Welcom-Inn’s outdoor bar – Welcom-Out. The speciality beers on offer this year are Spaten, Veltins, Camden Pale Ale and the Laugh & Scream Lager. The latter is the product of a partnership between the Resort and local brewery the Rural Brewing Company, which we understand will extend beyond Oktoberfest. Cider lovers can quench their thirst with Magners Dark Fruit and Magners Original, and there are of course various soft drinks also available.
Food options include the traditional bratwursts, schnitzels, Lebkuchen hearts and pretzels, as well as hog roast and the arguably less traditional offerings from the Chip Haus. There is a reasonable choice of vegan food options also available, including vegan bratwurst, plant based goujons and vegan schnitzels. For those looking for something sweeter, there are toasted marshmallows, churros and other sweet treats. 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-themed options can also be found at some of the theme park’s other food outlets, such as the Flammkuchen pizza from Explorers Pizza & Pasta (with a vegan bacon alternative available) and Bratwurst Meal from Towers Street Hot Dogs.
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 magnets, as well as Trenker hats, T-shirts and hoodies. Again, this is card payment only but Merlin Annual Pass discount is available.
Oktoberfest is always a good time to visit the Resort with plenty of fun to be had enjoying the entertainment across the two stages, with audience participation most definitely encouraged, as well as from interacting with the roaming characters. Opening weekend also benefitted from some glorious weather, adding to the event’s feel-good atmosphere. Team member Rachel and daughter (and honorary team member) Saps both had a wonderful day checking out the event!
Oktoberfest runs daily at Alton Towers Resort until Sunday 1st October.
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.
