Cheltenham Racecourse to host its own Oktoberfest

Chelt-ober Fest – the Oktoberfest with a difference!

The British have adopted the traditional Bavarian folk festival Oktoberfest with vigour over recent years. Held in Munich since the early 19th century, this event is now the largest beer festival in the world, with Oktoberfest appearing in many UK towns.

And to mark the start of its exciting 2019/2020 Jump racing season, Prestbury Park is hosting its own unique celebration - not only combining the tradition of beer and ale, but embracing another of the Bavarian folk pastimes, the sound of galloping horses.

Chelt-ober Fest is brand new for 2019 at The Showcase on October 25 and 26. It kicks off the new season in a fresh exciting way, engaging not only new audiences but offering extra value to those who already attend.

"This concept will replace what was The Food and Drink Zone to introduce a fun, vibrant and 'must attend' element to the two-day meeting," says Sophia Dale, Communications Manager for Jockey Club South West.

"Working alongside what we already offer on the catering front, Chelt-ober Fest will promote locally brewed Beers, stage a Magners bar and have examples of local food on offer."

Interestingly, the original Oktoberfest back in 1810 concluded with a horse race on a piece of meadow land outside the gates of Munich. So Chelt-ober Fest is perhaps more in tune with this original event, with participants not only tasting the best ales and beer, but watching live jump racing on big screens in The Centaur as the action takes place outside.

Chelt-ober Fest will be open from 11am and provide racegoers with a racing panel and tipster talk before racing, play out live racing throughout the day and will be followed by 70 minutes post racing entertainment from a live band. Bars will close 90 minutes after the last race.

The exciting two-day meeting provides a taste of what is to come for the 2019/2020 season as new racing recruits join the ranks - from trainers, jockeys to future equine stars. As the track is used for the first time since May (which marked the end of the 2018/2019 season), on Day One on Saturday, October 25; ITV will be at hand to film the action.

"Spectators can expect to enjoy hair-raising action and meet up with returning friends as they embrace the riveting rivalries on the racecourse. And with the addition of Chelt-ober Fest at The Showcase and many beers and real ales on sale, we expect an extra celebratory theme this year," adds Sophia.

"It is always a great start to our season and sets the tone for our subsequent meetings including our two free family days in November and on New Year's Day to The Festival itself presented by Magners in March 2010. We are hoping that October's weekend of racing will be extra special."

Tickets for Chelt-ober Fest are £15pp which includes a pint and food. Tickets for the races need to be bought in addition.

For more information, visit thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/.

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2019/20 fixtures

The Showcase

Friday, October 25 & Saturday, October 26

The November Meeting

Friday, November 15-Sunday, November 17

The International

Friday, December 13 & Saturday, December 14

New Year's Day

Wednesday, January 1, 2020