Following its success in Cape Town and Johannesburg, the annual Bierfest, in association with TOPS at SPAR, comes to Durban for the first time this year. Recreating the atmosphere, activities, entertainment and, of course, the beer of Munich’s famous Oktoberfest, South Africa’s second annual Bierfest will take place from 16 to 18 November 2012 at Suncoast.
The event embraces all the elements of the world’s largest fair, which was first held in 1810. Presented by TOPS at SPAR in association with Good Fellas, Tsogo Sun, One Plan, East Coast Radio and Prime Logistix, Bierfest is supported by South African Breweries (SAB), whose master brewers have created three limited-edition special Bavarian-style beers for the festival.
These include the Munich Dunkel, which boasts hints of chocolate, caramel and/or toffee dominated by malt, with a deep copper to dark brown colour and creamy, light to medium tan head; Krystal Weiss, which is a filtered version of the usually slightly cloudy weiss beers, with vanilla undertones and slight hop aromas; and the easy-drinking Royal Bavaria, which is a rich dark gold with a slight off- white foam head, with low hop flavours and a moderately dry finish.
A full range of other SAB beers and ciders, as well as KWV wine and soft drinks will also be available.
With the highest production values in place, Bierfest will be hosted inside a 2 500-seater Bavarian Brauhaus festooned with décor inspired by German heritage. Revelers will be served in traditional style by costumed fräuleins bearing fistfuls of beer steins to wash down authentic Bavarian food like pork knuckle (eisbein), German sausages, pickles, pretzels and sauerkraut.
Adding to the joyful vibe, an oompah band will have you stomping your feet and raising your glasses in a toast to good times. Prost!
Besides the beer, sausages and music, Bierfest will include fun tests of strength and skill in a number of Oktoberfest challenges, including a “hau den lukas”, a bell-ringing slideshow attraction, and a competition for the best-dressed King Ludwig and Princess Therese, with fantastic prizes to be won.
Naturally, the organisers and sponsors support responsible drinking with its own “One… Fun Done Right” campaign, which is why they have brought Good Fellas, Avis Point 2 Point and SACAB on board to ensure everyone gets home safely. To take it one step further, make a weekend of it and stay over at a hotel in the Tsogo Sun group, which will be offering special rates for Bierfest patrons.
Tickets are R70 each, and individuals can purchase unreserved seating or reserved seating. Tables of 12 or more will automatically be entered into a draw for a trip for two to the Munich Oktoberfest. All purchases of food and drink at the festival will be transacted with “crowns”, available in denominations of R20 and sold in packs of five. Crowns are non-refundable.
The events are not open to anyone under the age of 18; soft drinks will be on sale for designated drivers.
For more details and bookings, go to www.bierfest.co.za.