German Club all set for annual Oktoberfest fun

STEP out in your dirndl or lederhosen (or not) for that annual ode to all things German – the Oktoberfest.

This centuries-old festival, largely centred on ale, is being celebrated around the world this month. Port Elizabeth, too, is in on the action with a vibrant programme in place at the Deutscher Klub, or German Club, in Lorraine from Thursday to next Sunday. The four-day affair kicks off with a corporate dinner on Thursday which is only open to those who book tables, unlike the rest of the programme from Friday to next Sunday, when entry is R70 per person.

"Entertainment on all four days will be provided by an oompah band, the Blaskapelle Bad Bayersoien, brought in from Germany especially for the occasion," said the club's assistant manager, Peter Allan.

Doors open at 7pm on Friday, 5.30pm next Saturday and 11am next Sunday. Guests who produce a ticket following Friday's EP Kings rugby game will get a R20 discount. "On Friday and next Saturday we will have food stands selling typical German food, from sausages like bratwurst, bockwurst and currywurst, to Ludwig burgers and leberkäse [meatloaf]," Allan said.

Another highlight on the Saturday is the Miss Oktoberfest pageant from 6 to 7pm, after which the band will take over. On the Sunday visitors can try German specialities like eisbein and kasseler chops with sauerkraut and mash; chicken cordon bleu with vegetable and potato wedges; or frankfurters with potato salad. The oompah band will play from 11.30am to 2pm. A choir, also from Germany, performs at the venue from 2pm to 2.30pm, and from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, the band will play again.

More information from the club on (041)367-2791.