HÀ NỘI — The annual Oktoberfest returns to the cities in seven days, promising great beer and premium cuisine under an authentic German atmosphere.

The festival for beer lovers will be organised in Hà Nội for three days starting from October 6, while it will be a four-day event in HCM City from September 29 to October 2.

Co-hosted by the German Business Association (GBA), the event is a replica of the world’s largest beer festival, which has been taking place in Munich, Germany, for hundreds of years.

“Oktoberfest Hà Nội 2016 will again replicate the original atmosphere with a large tent on an open ground -- the ‘Festzelt’ as we call it in German - along with an authentic German buffet, free flow of Konig’s Pilsener and other beer specialties. We are proud to say that it’s one of the largest and the most awaited social events in town this year,” Roman Kuebler, GBA vice-chairman said.

According to organisers, the Oktoberfest has become a unique and popular landmark event for locals and the entire foreign community in Việt Nam for years. This event bridges cultural gaps and brings people together for this much-awaited festival.

This year, the Oktoberfest in HCM City and Hà Nội will replicate the authentic atmosphere of the original event in Munich, with large venues and seating, delicious German cuisine, premium imported German beers and a great party mood under a huge Bavarian beer tent.

Traditional German music will be played by the Anton and the Funny Guys band, which will rock both cities in the evenings.

“Guests will once again "go loud" with rock and pop hits, popular Bavarian folk music, singing and swinging of beer mugs, as well as hold hands and dance together,” Kuebler said.

Fun games and lucky draws will be organised during the event.

In Hà Nội, GBA is collaborating with the JW Marriott Hanoi Hotel, while the 24th edition of the festival will take place at the Nikko Saigon Hotel in HCM City.

More information on the festival and tickets can be obtained from the JW Marriott Hanoi Hotel, 8 Đỗ Đức Dục St, Nam Từ Liêm District, Hà Nội, Tel: (04) 38335588, and the German Industry and Commerce Vietnam office , 5th Floor, Somerset Chancellor Court, 21-23 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai St, District 1, HCM City, Tel: (08) 38239772. — VNS