Friday the 14th of October saw the return of the annual Oktoberfest at RAF Odiham. 81 Red Balloons were asked to provide the decorations for the second year running, and we were invited along to the evening to join in the celebrations. We decorated the Oktoberfest last year, using giant Beer Glass Supershape balloons, which were so popular with the Sgts. mess that they asked us to do the same again, albeit we added a little twist and made some floor standing bunches as well, using the foil beer mugs and latex balloons, in Bavarian colours, of course.

The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 in honour of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Originally the festivities began on October 12th and ended on October 17th, with a horse race. The festival was repeated the following year and in later years it was prolonged and moved into September, which had better weather conditions. As the September nights were warmer the visitors were able to enjoy the gardens outside the tents and stroll over the fields for longer without feeling chilly.

RAF Odiham, as always, hosted a great party, the beer, wine, and Schnapps flowed freely all evening, and one or two of us indulged a little too much (oops!). As well as the ever-present disco, The Munich Bierkeller Men added to the authenticity and provided lots of table dancing, beer swigging entertainment and a great night was had by all.

We’d like to thank RAF Odiham for asking us to do the décor once again, and for the invites to the party, and we promise not to drink quite so much schnapps if we ever get invited again!