The Munich Oktoberfest – one of Germany’s favourite and most famous festivals – got under way in the capital of Bavaria on Saturday. The festival, which runs until October 5th, is a huge tourist draw for the southern city.  

Mayor Dieter Reiter inserted the tap into the first keg with four blows of his hammer, and shouted out the German for “It’s tapped”. 

Thousands had managed to get a place in the main beer tent to cheer for the spigot being hammered into the first massive keg of beer.  Some six million visitors from around the world are expected to raise a glass in the beer tents at the sprawling event.

Mayor Dieter Reiter inserted the tap into the first keg with four blows of his hammer, and shouted out the German for “It’s tapped”.

The Munich Oktoberfest got under way in the capital of Bavaria on Saturday.

Some six million visitors from around the world are expected to raise a glass in the beer tents at the sprawling event.

People are all dressed up for the festival.

The Munich Oktoberfest got under way in the capital of Bavaria on Saturday.

The festival is a huge tourist draw for the southern city.

Thousands had managed to get a place in the main beer tent to cheer for the spigot being hammered into the first massive keg of beer.