Oktoberfest Cumbria
Oktoberfest Cumbria is a new promotional tool to encourage multi-night stays, so visitors to Cumbria sample more of what the county has to offer. Offering something new is a great way to attract new customers and boost seasonal bookings, as well as encouraging repeat visitors.
Based on the world’s largest beer festival, the aim is to keep the celebrations going all month long – taking in October half term and supporting events for all the family to enjoy together.
Oktoberfest Cumbria is a collaboration with businesses and venues throughout the county and we will be showcasing the full programme at visitlakedistrict.com/Oktoberfest, so you can check on updates to the line up at any time.
How businesses can get involved:
Staging your own Oktoberfest events
There’s lots of ways Cumbria Tourism members get involved in Oktoberfest Cumbria, depending on how big or small you want to go.
Whether it’s running a one-off event, hosting a series of celebrations across the month, or simply incorporating themed décor into your everyday offering, here are some ideas to get you started:
Food and drink
Offer a selection of Bavarian food and drink inspired menus or food stands. Think Bratwurst (but put a Cumberland spin on it!), schnitzels, pretzels and beer served in steins. Cater for all visitors and offer non-alcoholic options too.
Games and quizzes
Oktoberfest themed games are a great way to engage all ages. From stein holding competitions, costume judging and themed quizzes, to things to do for families including Bavarian hat making and Gingerbread Heart Decorating (known as ‘Lebkuchenherz verzieren’).
Music and entertainment
German themed music or live entertainment is a great way to extend celebrations and encourage overnight stays. The traditional Schuhplattler dance is a common at Oktoberfest celebrations!
Themed decorations
Decorate your venue with bunting, flags and signage or encourage staff to dress in authentic Bavarian attire. You can really get creative with this one!
Interested in creating your own Oktoberfest beer?
If you’d be interested in developing a special beer to celebrate Oktoberfest Cumbria, let us know! We can promote your product to venues who might be interested in stocking it on this website, along with your contact details. We can also help to promote your new beer on visitlakedistrict.com.
Promoting Oktoberfest Cumbria events
Once your event is ready to promote, upload it onto visitlakedistrict.com using the online events form here. When completing the details on the form, ensure you tag ‘Oktoberfest’ as the event category.
There is an Oktoberfest Cumbria logo you can access and include in your own marketing, whether it’s on social media or in an enewsletter to your database.
Promote the festival on your digital channels – Link to visitlakedistrict.com/Oktoberfest to highlight when events are happening and direct your guests to it.
Share your content – We are on the lookout for imagery which can feature as part of the festival promotion, to show what Oktoberfest Cumbria is all about and what people can expect. If you’re running an event and have assets you’re happy to share, please send imagery (with the correct permissions) to campaigns@cumbriatourism.org
Get In Touch
Contact the Cumbria Tourism team at campaigns@cumbriatourism.org to discuss your ideas for Oktoberfest Cumbria.
Sponsorship opportunities and packages are also available. We look forward to hearing from you!