The attraction of Bavarian and Brentwood beer, German themed food and OomPah music led to a well-attended Oktoberfest and a ‘sehr gut’ event for Brentwood Brewery in partnership with Brentwood/Landkreis Roth Town Twinning Association.

“We were happy to see so many visitors to the brewery for Oktoberfest, enjoying the relaxed, fun vibe. The weather was kind to us once again, which always helps.

“Our co-organisers, members of the town twinning association, were kept busy serving food all day. Proceeds from food sales went to the twinning association’s funds. They also received a donation from us for every German bier sold. And it all went.”

Brewery MD Roland Kannor

Beer

On the town twinning association’s recent trip to Roth in Germany, Cllr Jon Cloke made a special trip to the Pyraser Landbrauerei to pick up some crates of beer for Oktoberfest. Bottles of five different varieties disappeared rapidly with the Dunkel, or dark beer, going first.

Bangers

Jon and his wife Cllr Noelle Hones were kept busy cooking and serving sausages to hungry festival goers, whilst other members of the town twinning association, including Chairman Elizabeth Scannell, served dessert, apple strudel and cream.

“We hope Octoberfest gave visitors a glimpse into how much Brentwood’s link with Roth can give to each town.   We’re greeted like old friends when we visit Roth and we aim to give our German guests a good time when they come over here, showing them what Brentwood and Essex have to offer.

“We’re always delighted to welcome new members and you don’t need to speak German as our friends want to practise their English.”

Elizabeth Scannell

Books

Local historian, author and writer Sylvia Kent from Billericay chose to launch her twelfth and latest book, Brentwood in 50 Buildings, at Oktoberfest (Saturday 28th September). She chatted to festival goers and signed copies of her new book which charts the town’s history from a clearing in the forest and a stopping place on the main route to London from Colchester, to the twenty first century.

Brentwood in 50 Buildings is available in local bookshops, online at Amberley Publishing and from Sylvia herself. For further details see www.sylviakent.blogspot.com.

Charity

Brewery friend Megan Webb popped into Oktoberfest with her dog Pippa.  Megan, who works for anti modern slavery charity A21, was enjoying some time out.  Recently Megan’s been busy working on the charity’s worldwide Walk for Freedom event. (19th October).

Birthday

Celebrating his birthday at Oktoberfest with family and friends, John Bagley swapped his birthday cake hat for a Bavarian style one in honour of the occasion. Although Roland had promised a free pint to anyone wearing traditional Bavarian costume, he didn’t have to give away too many beers. Only one other festival goer, Taylor Daniels from Brentwood, got to enjoy a freebie.

Free Pint

Spooky Sausage Beer Festival – Saturday 26th October

“Well done Taylor. The brewery team loves dressing up and we love a beer festival too. Happily, Hallowe’en provides the perfect opportunity to combine both beer drinking and dressing up. So we’re holding a fancy dress competition at our Spooky Sausage Beer Festival on Saturday 26th October and hope you can join us at Brentwood Brewery between 11am – 5pm. Dressing up is optional, beer drinking is hugely encouraged.”

Roland Kannor

Fabulous Oktoberfest

With nine Brentwood and Elephant School draught ales on the bar, nobody went thirsty at Oktoberfest.

Love Beer, Love Brentwood