Everything about Oktoberfest is enormous. The sixteen-day festival attracts over six million visitors from the local area and all over the world. Revellers come to eat and drink in 14 tents some of which seat up to ten thousand people.

At times it feels like half of Bavaria is crammed in, drinking litre mugs of foaming beer (varieties of which are brewed especially for the festival) and eating huge quantities of roast chicken, pork knuckle and sausages.

History of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest has roots dating back to 1810 when a fair was held to commemorate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria. Annual customs are a key part of the party with many locals attending in traditional costumes.

Oktoberfest events

All this adds up to the worlds longest, biggest party which is precisely why you should come. Many visitors need a few extra drinks to forget they decided to don a traditional Bavarian outfit and bop along to an oompah band.

Come then and swig a few Maß the term for a litre of Oktoberfest beer which costs around £7. Admission to Oktoberfest, however, is free.

Festival tips

Check out a few of the 14 different tents if you stick to the Hofbräu youll only be drinking with other foreigners. Have a go on some of the fairground rides that hug the main thoroughfare - though do so early in the day. Efforts are made to retain a family atmosphere at least until sundown.

After that things can turn more raucous in certain tents. The best strategy is to come in late afternoon and stay until 9 or 10 pm to avoid the crowds heading back into town. Book accommodation ahead and if Munich is full up stay in a nearby town like Augsburg.