WHAT IS OKTOBERFEST?
Oktoberfest is the Worlds largest beer and folk festival. It traditionally takes place in Munich, Germany from mid September and lasts 18 days.
The event has attracted an international following - this year 5.9 million people descended on Munich to attend while other cities across the world hold Oktoberfest style celebrations based on the Munich event.
During the festival, giant tents capable of holding thousands of revellers are erected and over 6 million litres of beer is drunk. Bavarian music plays in the afternoon and often gives way to more modern pop music in the evening.
Oktoberfest began in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Sace-Hildburghausen. The royal newlyweds deemed the party so great that they wanted to repeat it every year and so Oktoberfest has been celebrated in Munich every fall since then.
Guildford & Freiburg im Breisgau Twinning City
Freiburg im Breisgau and Guildford have been twinned since 1979. Freiburg is a delightful historic city in south-west Germany on the edge of the Black Forest, in the Land of Baden Württemberg. Because of its location it is often described as the "Capital of the Black Forest".
The city is rich in history, art and culture. It has a 700-year old Cathedral and its University was founded in 1457. It has several museums and art galleries, including one devoted to modern art and there is a wide range of theatres, concert-halls and sports facilities.
Its fascinating old town is a delight to walk around, cars are excluded and in recent years Freiburg has become world-renowned as the "Green City" for its enlightened and wide-ranging environmental policies.
The Guildford Freiburg Association
The Association was formed in 1979 to promote links, understanding, co-operation and friendship between Guildford and Freiburg through:
Contacts - personal, social, sporting, cultural, business and official
Exchange visits and links - between schools, businesses, clubs and societies
he Association also organises social events for members.
For more information, including how to join, please visit the Guildford Freiburg Association website.