Oktoberfest

Slessor Gardens, Dundee, September 27-29

The leaves are starting to turn, the air is cooler and the shadows are getting longer. It can only mean one thing – it’s Oktoberfest time again!

This year it’s bigger and even better – festival goers will be heading to Slessor Gardens for the event, just behind the new V&A on Dundee’s Waterfront.

After seven packed years at Discovery Quayside, with more than £100,000 raised for local good causes, organisers the Rotary Club of Dundee have decided to host the event.

The new venue will see greater numbers (from 800 to 1,400 per evening), and a larger selection of bands (22 local bands over the three days), including a headline act for Saturday, The Magic Numbers.

And, for the first time, Saturday is also being extended to the afternoon.

As in previous years the event will be covered by marquees in case of inclement weather and all proceeds go to support local charitable causes.

Thursday, the opening day, will see a host of musical talent performing between 6pm-11pm at what is fast becoming Dundee’s coolest music festival: Isla Galbraith, Catrin Evans, Cosmic Fish, The Vintage Girls, Sunstorm and Jive Candy.

On Friday evening Gillian Dee, Sonnet 65, JR Slims, Ruvellas, Fizzle Chimps and Last Orders will be performing.

The Medinas, Mnemonics, The Mess Arouns, Tequila Rose, Paper Tiger, Saint Louie Band, Pretty Shameless, Tarpaulin, The Interceptors and The Magic Numbers will wow audiences on Saturday, playing 2pm until midnight.

There will also be some great authentic German food, including barbecued marinated steaks, bratwurst and currywurst, and frikadeller meatballs, all washed down with real ales (some local), ciders and biers.

Each evening will also see a raffle for tickets to one of the autumn test games at Murrayfield.

Robert Dunn, a past president of Dundee Rotary and chairman of the Oktoberfest organising committee, has enjoyed seeing this year’s event coming together.

“From our point of view it’s a major commitment moving from Discovery Quay to Slessor Gardens and it’s going to be a much bigger event,” he said.

“We’re very much looking forward to it and hope it will be really successful and raise lots of money for Rotarynominated charities.

“Come along and enjoy the live bands, great food and a fantastic atmosphere. And let’s hope the weather is kind to us!”

Tickets: Thursday and Friday £12 (VIP £20), Saturday £20 (VIP £30).

VIP tickets include access to a seated raised area with a view of the stage, and personal table service.

Enjoy live music, good food and beer at this year’s Oktoberfest, held for the first time in Slessor Gardens.