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YORK’S FAVOURITE PARTY ‘YORKTOBERFEST’ BRINGS A BIG TOP TO YORK RACECOURSE
TWO WEEKENDS OF LAUGHS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND LEDERHOSEN!
Yorktoberfest, York’s traditional Bavarian beer festival, will be returning for a 6th year to the Clocktower Enclosure at York Racecourse this autumn, staged for the first time in a Big Top, making it bigger, better and more atmospheric than ever. Step into another world - a spectacular fully-themed Bavarian Beer Haus - for a unique and unforgettable party. Experience the super-charged vibe a Big Top brings to live music and outrageous entertainment!
In announcing the return of the popular event, the organiser has also confirmed that ticket prices will remain the same as last year.
The blue Big Top will be transformed into a spectacular fully-themed German Beer Haus across two weekends: Friday 16th - Saturday 17th October and Friday 23rd - Saturday 24th October. Tickets are now on sale through www.ticketsource.co.uk/yorktoberfest. Prices are £25 per person for standard and £35 for VIP, with an early bird discount of £5 per ticket if booked before midday on 29th June. York’s very own Oktoberfest has proved hugely popular since its debut in 2021 with all sessions selling out last year.
Yorktoberfest promises plenty of laughs, live entertainment and lederhosen. Traditional or fancy dress is encouraged - with competitions for the best dressed - as is dancing and merry-making, in keeping with the original Oktoberfest in Munich in 1810 where so much fun was had that an annual tradition was born.
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 and Oktoberfests, and their Bavarian table dances and German ‘prosit’ toasts will once again 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 16 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.
There will also be additional circus-themed live entertainment in keeping with the new Big Top.
The Bavarian Bar will serve a variety of delicious beers from local supplier Brew York as well as a range of wines, prosecco, spirits, zero beers 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.
THE BEER NECESSITIES:
WHEN:
Fri 16th - Sat 17th October & Fri 23rd – Sat 24th October 2026
WHERE:
Clocktower Enclosure, Knavesmire Rd, York Racecourse, YO23 1EX
TIME:
Fri & Sat 7-11pm, Sat 1-5pm
ADMISSION:
Standard individual unreserved: £25
Standard table of six: £150
*VIP individual: £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
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. 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.
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