Oktoberfest sees beer flooding Britain as revellers raise their steins in celebration of traditional German fesitval
Brits say 'nein' to pathetic pint glasses and embrace the beloved stein as they toast Bavarian-style hospitality
IT'S that time of year again when pint glasses are left to gather dust and Brits say "guten tag" to giant steins of beer in celebration of Oktoberfest.
The traditional German festival has gone global over recent years -- and in Britain it's more popular than ever.
Cities across the country getting in on the party, which surprisingly falls across late September and into the first weekend of October.
It means that this weekend is the big blow-out as beer halls from Edinburgh to Exeter and Belfast to Bristol welcome thirsty revellers for a night of drinking to the sound of brass band music.
And it wouldn't be Oktoberfest without barmaids dressed in the traditional dirndl dress -- famous in the home of the festival, Munich.
But all that beer needs to come with ample amounts of Bavarian grub to go with it, so it will be bratwurst and sauerkraut galore helping to soak up the litres -- because they tend to come in litres -- of ale.
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The festival doesn't come without controversy though.
Some events have to be cancelled at the last minute -- as was the case with a London fest last year when organisers had to shut down the party with 20 minutes until opening because of the huge crowds that gathered.
Meanwhile in Glasgow organisers have been on a desperate hunt for a new venue after the city council ordered it couldn't serve alcohol.
But by most accounts everyone is happily getting in on the party -- even celebrities.
Last week Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger, 69, was snapped in Munich with girlfriend Heather Milligan, 41, larking around in lederhosen.
And sprint superstar Usain Bolt was seen ogling some barmaids in the city as he tucked into some local brews.
Meanwhile, Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson was seen supping an ale in Munich as he got into the party spirit.
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