A NEW German-style beer festival is returning to Southampton – and this year’s celebration will be even bigger than the event’s 2017 debut.

Organisers have revealed that the 2018 Southampton Oktoberfest will be held in Mayflower Park following the success of last year’s event, which was staged in Guildhall Square.

More than 10,000 people paid £20 per ticket to take part in the four-day celebration.

This year’s festival will take place on only two days, but organisers say the new venue will enable them to accommodate more revellers.

An Oktoberfest Southampton spokesman said: “We can do the same number in two days as we could in four.”

This year’s event will feature a huge 30-metre bar.

Staff dressed in traditional Lederhosen will serve a range of authentic German beers in two-pint glasses, plus a selection of craft beers, wines and spirits.

Oktoberfest will also feature a new food village offering German dishes such as bratwurst, schnitzel and giant pretzels.

The spokesman said: “We had a fantastic response from members of the public last year.

“The event attracted 9,000 people across five sessions, giving the city a big economic boost as well as benefitting local traders and businesses.”

Satvir Kaur, the city council’s cabinet member for leisure and culture, added: “It was really great to have Oktoberfest last year and it’s good to have them back this year.

“I know organisers want to make it bigger and better.

“Southampton is a place where something is always happening and it is important that we offer a mix of activities and things to enjoy for residents and visitors.

“Events of this scale are great for the local economy and bring people together.”

The festival will be held on October 26 and 27.

Oktoberfest events in Southampton and other cities across the UK are modelled on an 18-day folk festival held in Munich.

The annual event attracts more than six million people from around the world.