Thousands ready for Basingstoke's Octoberfest (From Basingstoke Gazette)
When news happens, text BAZ and your photos or videos to 80360. Or contact us by email and phone.
Thousands ready for Basingstoke's Octoberfest
5:00pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in Local By Helen Morton
Scott Ramsden, Kate Abrahams, Jo Ward, and Barry Groves raise a glass at a previous Octoberfest
THOUSANDS of visitors are expected to flock to Basingstoke for the fourth Hampshire OctoberFest.
Organisers of the annual event are expecting record numbers to attend the event, which starts on Friday with a Works Night Out evening.
Milestones Museum will host the festival which will feature a wide range of Hampshire’s finest real ales, beers, ciders and food.
There will also be plenty of family activities in the museum and adjacent grounds, with a full programme of demonstrations and exhibitions.
Visitors on Saturday and Sunday will be able to see a magician, try their hand at circus skills, enjoy a mini steam fair, admire a collection of vintage vehicles, watch ferret racing, take part in Britain’s most powerful hands competition, and much more.
Friday’s Works Night Out evening, which runs from 6pm until 11pm, will feature a hog roast, real ales and live music through the evening.
Ian Smith, director of development at Hampshire Museums and Galleries Trust, said it is expected that up to 10,000 visitors will attend over the weekend.
He added advance ticket sales this year are double those in 2011, describing it as “a clear indicator that it is going to be a busy weekend for all”.
Tickets have been ordered from as far away as Inverness, Bedford, Birmingham and Cornwall.
Mr Smith said: “The entertainment line up is the best yet. All the signs are that we will welcome between 8,000 and 10,000 visitors this year. Staffing levels have been increased around the site, including in the beer tent.”
Tickets are £6.50 for the Friday Works Night Out and Saturday evening only. The Saturday all- day/evening ticket and the day ticket for Sunday each cost £8.50.
Tickets for children between five and 15 are £5 for Saturday and Sunday, but they are not allowed in the beer marquee after 9pm.
For more information, visit hantsmustrust.org/octoberfest.
