By Emeka Odogwu
A small, friendly beer festival just outside York is set for an almighty blessing when it opened by Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York.
The popular ‘Oktoberfest’ in Copmanthorpe, is making its final preparations for an early Thursday start, with it running until Saturday evening.
The event, held in the village’s St. Giles’ Church, gives the proceeds of the festival to charities and good causes.
Teams of volunteers convert St. Giles’ Church to a beer hall for the weekend where all takings from the door, profit from the bar and food is then used to help other people.
Oktoberfest raises more than £7,000 for good causes
Popular beer festival returns to Copmanthorpe
To date over £27,000 has been given away, with past beneficiaries including St. Leonard’s Hospice, 1st Copmanthorpe Scout Group, Copmanthorpe Brownies, Contact the Elderly, Panda Playgroup and the Primary School Wildlife Club.
Oktoberfest promotes locality and will serve 35 different beers and lagers from within a 25-mile radius of Copmanthorpe – such as Antsy Ales, Brew York, Northern Monk and Rudgate breweries.
In addition, Fairfax Distillery of Colton will be providing a selection of gins and cocktails including a one-off ‘Oktoberfest Gin’ which promises a great combination of ‘locally foraged berries and homegrown elderflower’.
Co-organizer and event founder, The Rev. Geoff Mumford said: “As ever, Oktoberfest represents community and locality and we’re proud to be holding our 10th event – time certainly flies! We will be having the usual mix of great beer, live music and of course, Ged Bell’s pork pies!
Co-organiser and committee member, Lucy Taylor, added: “We’re really proud of every year of Oktoberfest and are always listening to feedback. This year, we’ve added an additional session of Thursday evening which will have no music – just beer and conversation and seats! This is for people who prefer a quieter environment but still want to support Oktoberfest. Then, from Friday, it’s business as usual.”
The formal opening of this year’s event will be on Thursday October 10, where the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell; York’s Town Crier, Ben Fry and York Mix Radio will be present.
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said: “I’m really looking forward to joining the opening of this year’s Oktoberfest beer Festival. It’s a wonderful community event and a great opportunity for people to gather together and raise funds for local charities. I hope the festival will remind us that life is to be savoured – just like a well-brewed ale.”
The event’s 10th year represents a benchmark which the organizers hope be marked by achieving greater levels of monies raised. A key part of this is corporate sponsorship of which Oktoberfest is pleased to have many recurring and many new supporters.
Carl Nickson, Managing Director Eboracum UK and Oktoberfest Main Event Sponsor:
“Eboracum have always supported Oktoberfest with door staff since Day 1 – just to add that extra level of organization and peace of mind, should it ever be needed.
“When the opportunity came up to be the new event main sponsor for the next three years, we jumped at the chance. So pleased to have the Eboracum name associated with such a fantastic local community event.”
Oktoberfest returns to St. Giles’ Church, Copmanthorpe on Thursday October 10 from 6pm to 10pm, Friday 11th from 4pm to 11am and Saturday 12th from 1pm to 11pm. Tickets are available on the door and one ticket is valid for all three sessions.
Children and well-behaved dogs are welcomed up to 7pm.
