Yorktoberfest

YORK’S FAVOURITE PARTY ‘YORKTOBERFEST’ RETURNS TO RACECOURSE FOR 5^TH YEAR

TWO WEEKENDS OF LAUGHS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND LEDERHOSEN!

Yorktoberfest, York’s traditional Bavarian beer festival, will be returning to the Clocktower Enclosure at York Racecourse this October, for a fifth successive year.  York’s very own Oktoberfest has proved hugely popular since its debut in 2021 with all sessions selling out last year. 

Yorktoberfest 2025 will take place on Friday 17^th - Saturday 18^th October and Friday 24^th - Saturday 25^th October.  Tickets are on sale at www.ticketsource.co.uk/yorktoberfest.  Prices are £25 per person for standard and £35 for VIP. 

Yorktoberfest promises plenty of laughs, live entertainment and lederhosen, and follows in the traditions of the first Oktoberfest staged in Munich in 1810, where the citizens were encouraged to eat, drink and be merry at the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and his princess bride. So much fun was had that an annual tradition was born and now the citizens of York and beyond can enjoy all things Bavarian in a giant fully-styled beer tent at the racecourse.  

Dancing is encouraged, as it has been for over 200 years, as is the wearing of Lederhosen, Dirndls or any other fancy dress, with nightly competitions and prizes for the best dressed.

Returning this year is the internationally-acclaimed seven-piece live band, the Bavarian Strollers who will perform thigh-slapping, foot-stomping oompah tunes as well as feel-good disco classics.  They have travelled the world bringing their unique take on oompah music to Bier Keller evenings, Oktoberfests, bars, parties and offices, and have appeared on BBC One, Channel 4, E4, Sky, Radio 5 Live as well as programmes such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Alan Carr Chatty Man. Their Bavarian table dances and German ‘prosit’ toasts make Yorktoberfest a memorable experience.

Adding to the party and returning to the stage by popular demand will be international drag artist Velma Celli, the undisputed star of the show.  Velma has been mesmerising Yorktoberfest audiences with her powerhouse vocals and outrageous humour, receiving rave reviews across social media.  Known as ‘the UK’s Queen of live vocal drag’, Velma has been charming audiences across the globe for more than 15 years, from Australia to New York, and from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to London’s Hippodrome.  Velma takes the drag concept to whole new dizzy heights according to her alter-ego Ian Stroughair, a well-known name on the West End stage in his own right.

The Bavarian Bar will serve a variety of delicious beers from local supplier Brew York as well as a range of wines, prosecco, spirits and soft drinks.  German-inspired food will also be available from The Dog Haus, catering for all tastes with the essential favourites of sausages, schnitzels and pretzels as well as vegan and vegetarian options.

Yorktoberfest will have a strictly limited capacity, with specific opening times: Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm until 11pm, and daytime sessions on Saturdays from 1pm until 5pm.

Tickets for Yorktoberfest are now on sale through www.ticketsource.co.uk/yorktoberfest priced either individually at £25 for standard and £35 for VIP, or in tables of six at £150 for standard and £210 for VIP.  VIP tickets are situated closest to the main stage and have table service for drinks and food.  All VIP customers will be able to book specific seats in their preferred location whether for individuals or tables of six.  Standard individual seats are unreserved while standard tables of six can be reserved.  An online booking fee applies.  Tickets will also be available at the entrance, subject to availability.

THE BEER NECESSITIES:

WHEN:
Fri 17^th - Sat 18^th October & Fri 24^th – Sat 25^th October 2025

WHERE:
Clocktower Enclosure, Knavesmire Rd, York Racecourse, YO23 1EX

TIME:
Fri & Sat 7-11pm, Sat 1-5pm

ADMISSION:
Standard individual unreserved seating - £25 per person
Standard table of six - £150
*VIP individual seating - £35
*VIP table of six - £210

*VIP seating is close to stage with table service

Ticket buyers must be aged 18+.

BOOK AT   www.ticketsource.co.uk/yorktoberfest  (booking fee applies)

DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Challenge 25 policy will be in operation

www.yorktoberfest.co.uk

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