Oktoberfest a massive hit

The Deutsche Schule Pretoria (DSP) hosted the annual Oktoberfest from 11 to 13 September. The fest is a colourful celebration of German cuisine, culture and of course, beer. It was not just an excuse to drink, it was a festival of Oompah, Eisbein and Dunkel Weiss.

People from across the city flocked to the DSP, which for one weekend every year, is transformed into what can only be described as a ‘little Munich’.

Even though the festival focused on German beer, local breweries were also represented, most notably Gilroy’s, Draymans, Mitchells, Copperlake and Brauhaus am Damm.

German speciality food like Kassler Rib, Bockwurst, Sauerkraut, Weißwurst Frühstück and of course Eisbein had many people going for second helpings.

The Oompah band, Frankenland Gädheim, flown in from Germany, wasn’t the only entertainment for the festival goers. Local band Georgetown, who describe their music as ‘Old-timey hillbilly tunes for the modern man’ put on a fantastic show, with a sound that perfectly suited the festive atmosphere of the Oktoberfest. A bass cello, a ukulele and acoustic guitar all contributed to their unique sound.

The Jon Delinger Band, about to release a new album, entertained the crowd with raspy vocals, boot-stomping, incredible guitar work and a brilliant mix of cover songs of Santana, U2 and Mumford & Sons. The three-piece band, consisting of talented and soulful Pretoria-born Jon, guitar maestro Akinwale James and their equally talented keyboard player, had festival-goers dancing at the stage.

The festival had loads to do for the kids as well, making this a great family outing. Train rides, water walkers, arts and crafts and even a mechanical bull ensured that the kids had just as much fun as their parents, if not more.

The event doesn’t just serve as a canvas for the celebration of German culture, it also ensures the future of the Schule itself. Each year the profits of the event go towards supporting specific school projects, or to ensure that the school fees remain affordable for pupils.

The Pretoria version of the classic German festival never disappoints, even though it is in September.

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