Bath to welcome new festival inspired by Germany's Oktoberfest this Autumn

This Autumn, hot on the heels of the Great Bath Feast, independent bars, bottle shops, breweries and pubs are coming together to celebrate the city's drinks offer by showcasing local ales, craft beer, cider and wines.

What could be better than a weekend of ale trails, tap takeovers, talks and tastings? 

The answer is two. 

In true Oktoberfest style, Bath’s independent drinks operators are coming together to bring a new event to the city that will celebrate all things local.

Including favourites such as The Bell, Old Green Tree, The Raven and The Grapes, the launch line-up also includes bottle shops Independent Spirit, Kingsmead Bottle, and Brewed Boy, as well as the city's own brewery, Electric Bear, with entertainment being provided at many of the venues from the areas musical talents.

Like everyone else, the hospitality industry has been hit hard over the last couple of years. Now firmly on the road to recovery, Bath independents feel that this is an opportune time to let those near and far discover the city's thriving, vibrant drinks scene. Brewed Boy at the top of Walcot Street are also planning on putting their community of homebrewers to the forefront of the festival by recreating their recipes in house and offering them to the wider public over the course of the ten-day festival.

Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Kevin Guy, said 'I am delighted that the independent hospitality sector in Bath is so proactive, and is championing Bathtoberfest from an initial idea to delivery. Events like this bring revenue into the city, and, equally importantly, bring vibrancy and fun to visitors and residents alike. I personally will look forward to enjoying a local pint.' 

Allison Herbert from Bath’s Business Improvement District, who are supporting the event, said ‘Bathtoberfest becomes the latest addition to Bath’s impressive roster of events and the BID are delighted to be able to support its launch. Events have a big impact on footfall and spend, especially for independent businesses, and Bathtoberfest provides an excellent opportunity to support and celebrate the thriving food and drink culture in the city. We are certainly looking forward to it!’ 

The event will be free to join, with visitors able to collect festival brochures at participating businesses and other outlets in the city to take part by getting stamps at each of the venues they call at. The festival will feature two trails, one concentrating on the city centre, and another, The Midford Trail, taking in the community-owned Packhorse Inn. Select bars will also serve a special roster of German and Belgian beers as well as featuring local breweries, cider houses and vineyards in the South West.

You can get all the latest news from the Bathtoberfest website, and sign up to take part if you are an independent venue in Bath.