Yorktoberfest, York’s traditional Bavarian beer festival, will be returning to the Clocktower Enclosure at York Racecourse this October, for a fifth successive year.
York’s very own Oktoberfest has proved hugely popular since its debut in 2021, with all sessions selling out last year.
Yorktoberfest promises live entertainment and lederhosen, and follows in the traditions of the first Oktoberfest staged in Munich in 1810, where the citizens were encouraged to eat, drink and be merry at the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and his princess bride.
Dancing is encouraged, as it has been for over 200 years, as is the wearing of Lederhosen, Dirndls or any other fancy dress, with nightly competitions and prizes for the best dressed.
Returning this year is the internationally-acclaimed seven-piece live band, the Bavarian Strollers, who will perform thigh-slapping, foot-stomping oompah tunes as well as disco classics.
Adding to the party and returning to the stage by popular demand will be international drag artist Velma Celli, the undisputed star of the show.
Known as ‘the UK’s Queen of live vocal drag’, Velma has seen audiences across the globe for more than 15 years, from Australia to New York, and from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to London’s Hippodrome.
Event organiser James Cundall, CEO of Jamboree Entertainment, says
“We will transform the giant marquee into a Bavarian festival scene, with rows of tables and benches down most of its 160m length, two performance stages, rustic carts full of wooden beer barrels, thatched wooden barns, flags galore and generally everything needed for a great night out.”
The Bavarian Bar will serve a variety of beers from local supplier Brew York as well as a range of wines, prosecco, spirits and soft drinks.
German-inspired food will also be available from The Dog Haus.
James added:
“We are thrilled that Yorktoberfest has become so popular since its debut in 2021 and once again it promises evenings of hearty fun, with beer, a band and bratwurst, not to mention a sensational drag queen!
"With the early bird discount available until the end of June, now is the time to get your friends together and start planning the party!”
Yorktoberfest 2025 will take place on Friday 17th - Saturday 18th October and Friday 24th - Saturday 25th October.
Tickets go on sale on Monday, 12th May, at 8 am through www.ticketsource.co.uk/yorktoberfest.
Prices are £25 per person for standard and £35 for VIP, with an early bird discount of £5 per ticket if booked before midday on 29th June.
Yorktoberfest will have a strictly limited capacity, with specific opening times: Fridays and Saturdays from 7 pm until 11 pm, and daytime sessions on Saturdays from 1 pm until 5 pm.
VIP tickets are situated closest to the main stage and have table service for drinks and food.
An online booking fee applies.
Tickets will also be available at the entrance, subject to availability.
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