In pictures: Beer flows as Germany's Oktoberfest opens in Munich

Image source, Reuters

The first beers have been served at the Oktoberfest beer festival in the German city of Munich.

About six million visitors are expected at the festival, which runs until 7 October.

Last year about 7.5m litres (1.6m gallons) were consumed during the event.

The festival began as a horse race staged to mark a royal wedding in 1810, with the first beer tents appearing later in the 19th Century.

Top Stories

Image source, Reuters

Skip Twitter content
Allow Twitter content?

This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter and before accepting. To view this content choose 'accept and continue'.

Warning: Third party content may contain adverts

End of Twitter content

Visitors were anxious to get good positions for the festival's opening.

Image source, Reuters

Top Stories

Some attended in traditional Bavarian dress.

Image source, Reuters

The first barrel was tapped by Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter.

Image source, Reuters

The first beers were eagerly received by visitors.

Image source, Reuters

Top Stories

Waitresses distribute the beer to revellers in several massive beer tents.

Image source, EPA

Marching bands are a feature of the festival.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Image source, EPA

All pictures copyright