A GERMAN themed festival, in its second year, is in full swing.

Oktoberfest began at Worcester Racecourse last night, and revellers are set to enjoy two sessions at the second and final day today.

The beer and folk festival takes inspiration from the popular German event and brings the famous Bavarian oompah bands, steins and sausages to the Pitchcroft location. The event has attracted an international following at cities around the world, all inspired by the Oktoberfest style celebrations held in Munich.

A spokesman told the Worcester News ahead of the event that pre-sales were up on last year, with all the early bird sales sold out by the end of September, and they wanted it to get bigger and better each year.

The spokesman said: “We want to bring the full Oktoberfest experience to Worcester.”

Last year, bands performed on the stage in a huge tent - which organisers say holds thousands of people as it is one of the largest bier tents in Europe.

Around 30,000 litres of beer were brought in from one of the world’s oldest breweries, ABK for 5,000 to 7,000 revellers over the weekend last year. The traditional German style tables have returned this year, with the drinking area decorated with colourful flags and bunting.

Any final tickets are available from oktoberfestworcester.co.uk. Organisers stress bars accept cash and card, with a cash machine also on site. Today’s first session takes place from noon until 5pm, while the second is being between 6pm until 11pm.

Beer lovers attending are invited to dress up for the event.