Band to get into oompah spirit at Oktoberfest
Lisa KendallThousands of people are expected in Shrewsbury this weekend for the annual Oktoberfest.
The event, which started in 2017, is a spin on the traditional German beer festivals.
It will take place in The Quarry on Friday and Saturday with more than 150 drinks available from both local and German producers, as well as live music, street food, stand-up comedy and a silent disco.
Among the performers are the Oompah band Vorsprung Durch, who will perform on Saturday afternoon.
The group plays traditional German polkas and waltzes, as well as arrangements of popular songs like The White Stripes' Seven Nation Army and Madness' Baggy Trousers, which frontman Neil Fury introduces as "Baggy Lederhosen".
Band member Lisa Kendall said Vorsprung Durch was formed in 2013 after the musicians got together and "thought what would be really cool would be a bit of beer drinking" and getting into the Oktoberfest spirit.
"You've got to be ready for the Prost and the cheers and encourage everyone," Kendall said, adding that people did not have to drink alcohol to join in.
Visitors to the festival can choose from tipples including beer, cider, gin and wine, or opt for a non-alcoholic option.
Street food sold at the event is set to include bratwurst, burgers, chips and churros.
Who else is performing?
The rest of the live music line-up includes covers bands such as Skaburst and Hot Rox, the alt-folk trio Two Blank Pages and comedy band Asparagus & The Kilburn Habit.
Performing in the festival's comedy live lounge on Saturday are acts such as Britain's Got Talent stars Daliso Chaponda and Maddy Muden, as well as stand-up names like James Dowdeswell and Jo Enright.
Other activities to enjoy include face painting and "carpool karaoke".
Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
