Tag: Oktoberfest

Raise a Stein and back a winner at Musselburgh Racecourse Oktoberfest

Musselburgh Racecourse takes on a distinctive Munich-style influence at its next race meeting this Saturday (12 September).

The popular Oktoberfest Raceday – supported by The Royal Regiment of Scotland – is now in its third year and continues to grow in popularity with thousands of racegoers embracing the famous German celebration.

Bavarian oompah bands and bratwurst will be to the fore while on the turf seven quality Flat races – including the £20,000 SCOTS Association Musselburgh Gold Cup – promises a thrilling afternoon of sporting action.

Live oompah band, the Jäger Maestros, will be performing a mix of classic tunes and oompah-style songs while the Oktoberfest Marquee will host a number of fun events, including a stein holding challenge, keg rolling and sing-alongs.

Inspired by the famous Munich Oktoberfest which dates from 1810 and takes place throughout September and October, the East Lothian racecourse has tapped into a rich theme and is encouraging guests to enter the spirt of the raceday by donning traditional lederhosen.

Grand National winning jockey Ryan Mania has completed a soldier’s assault course at Glencorse Barracks and in return a soldier will complete a number of jockey-related challenges at the race meeting. The Regiment will also have a military stand at Oktoberfest setting out some challenges for gallus racegoers.

Street food vans will offer a range of bratwurst, pretzels and German beer, and following the last race (scheduled for 7.20pm) the celebrations continue with an After Racing Party.

The feature race of the day is the £20,000 SCOTS Association Musselburgh Gold Cup over 2m 2f which is supported by six other competitive races, with the first provisionally timed for 4.07pm.

Musselburgh Racecourse Oktoberfest 2025

Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing and Business Development, Aisling Johnston, said: “Our Oktoberfest meeting continues to grow each year and returning visitors love the mix of a fun German-inspired event with competitive horse racing.

“We hope guests will dust off their lederhosen and put their best Bavarian foot forward to come along for what will be a hugely entertaining afternoon and evening, topped off with seven exciting Flat races.”

Gates open on 12 September at 2pm and tickets bought in advance are reduced by £5 for a limited period. Children aged 17 years and under are admitted free with four children permitted per paying adult.

The racecourse provides a free shuttle bus service to and from Wallyford and Newcraighall rail stations on each raceday.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Aldi Scotland teams up with Cold Town to launch new Oktoberfest inspired beer

Customers can bring a taste of the German festival home with Aldi Scotland’s latest release

Aldi Scotland is bringing the excitement of Oktoberfest to its customers with its latest release of Scottish beers, featuring a Bavarian-inspired brew from Cold Town.

As thousands around the world raise a toast to celebrate the annual German festival, Aldi’s Scottish Beer Festival range promises to put a tartan tint on proceedings and showcase the diversity of the nation’s brewers with an exciting lineup of delicious beers.

Edinburgh brewers Cold Town are leading the party with their new Bavarian Pilsner (£1.89, 440ml, 5.2% ABV), putting their own unique take on the traditional festival tipple with a clean and malty brew. This will be joined by the re-release of their Topic Thunder (£2.15, 440ml, 7.0% ABV), a full-bodied stout packed with caramel, dark chocolate and hazelnut flavours.

Peterhead’s Brew Toon are also on the guestlist with re-releases of their El Juicy (£2.15, 440ml, 7.1% ABV), a double dry hopped New England IPA, and The J’Ale (£1.89, 440ml, 5.5% ABV), a punchy riot red ale bringing an earthy, hoppy character.

Black Isle are also joining the party, making a welcome return to Aldi Scotland after five years with their Red Kite (£1.89, 440ml, 4.2% ABV) organic red ale, bringing a rich but malty character and their flagship Blonde (£1.79, 440ml, 4.5% ABV) organic lager, providing its unique crisp refreshment.

Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Putting a uniquely Scottish twist on Oktoberfest gives us a great opportunity to celebrate and shine a light on the brilliant local brewers we have at our doorstep.

“We’re fortunate to have developed strong relationships with some of Scotland’s most innovative suppliers and this gives us a fantastic platform to provide our customers with new and exciting products at affordable prices.”

You can find your nearest Aldi store here.

Care residents experience a taste of Oktoberfest … in Cramond!

Elderly residents transformed their care home into a Bavarian Steinhaus for an Oktoberfest celebration to remember – with the help from a local brewery.

Edinburgh-based brewer Pilot provided Cramond Residence with a selection of beers to sample during the Oktoberfest celebration which helped create a truly authentic experience.  

The home marked the celebration across three days with a variety of German-related activities, including an Oktoberfest party, beer tasting, a lesson on the history of the festival and themed arts and crafts.

Residents made decorations which were used to transform the cinema room ahead of the party and many even got involved in the set up to make sure everything looked authentic. 

Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager at Cramond Residence, said: “Thanks to Pilot, we were able to organise a truly unique experience for our residents that many wouldn’t have the opportunity to do otherwise.

“The celebration went down really well last year with both staff and residents keen to do it again. This year we wanted to do it bigger and better before so it was great to have Pilot on board.

“As we approach the winter months it’s nice to do something a bit different and bring everyone in the home together.

“I’m not sure if we will be able to beat this year’s event when it comes around again but at least we’ve made it one to remember!”

Pilot supplied the home with a variety of samples including Leith Lager, Mochaccino Stout and two more of its locally brewed beverages.

Director/Co-Founder at Pilot, Matt Johnson, said: “It’s great to hear the sample experience went down well with residents.

“We selected a diverse range of beer styles to provide participants with a mix of different flavour profiles; some of which may have been new to them, but we hope that others might have sparked some nostalgia too.”

The Oktoberfest festivities were part of the wider programme of activities on offer at Cramond Residences to keep residents stimulated and enjoying their later years. Other activities include trips for afternoon tea, story sessions with other residents and tailored physiotherapy sessions.

With capacity to house 74 residents, in nine small living concepts, the home provides luxury accommodation alongside care unmatched in quality. It offers a number of amenities including gardens, a beauty salon and cinema room.

Places at the care home start at £1850 a week.

To find out more about this luxury living facility, call 0131 341 4037 or visit: https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Wunderbar: Octoberfest’s back!

Oktoberfest is coming back to Edinburgh for a ‘wunderbar’ long  weekend at Princes Street Gardens West.

Waitress-photo

The organizers of World Wide Oktoberfest tour have announced the official dates for Edinburgh Oktoberfest 2016. Princes Street Gardens West will be hosting the event from 5th -9th October. Continue reading Wunderbar: Octoberfest’s back!