Oktoberfest kicks off in Germany as boozers in lederhosen down steins of alcohol at world’s biggest beer festival

BOOZERS have dusted off their best lederhosen as the world’s most famous beer festival kicked off in Germany today. Thousands of drinkers have flooded Munich for the beloved Oktoberfest after it was cancelled two years in a row. APOktoberfest has kicked off in Germany[/caption] The festival was cancelled for the last two yearsGetty ReutersMany are wearing traditional clothes for the occasion[/caption] ReutersThousands descended on Munich this morning, hoping to beat the queues[/caption] ReutersMillions of pints will be dished out over the coming days[/caption] ReutersMunich mayor Dieter Reiter and Bavaria’s State Premier Markus Soeder opened the festival today[/caption] Dressed in lederhosen trousers and drindl blouses, thirsty punters have been pictured reaching for steins of beer as they attempt to beat the crowds. Tables are packed full of boozers sinking pints after the bash was opened by Munich mayor Dieter Reiter at midday. With three knocks of a hammer and the traditional cry of “O’zapft is” (“It’s tapped”) the official inserted the tap in the first keg at noon on Saturday, officially starting festivities. Following the ceremony, twelve gunshots were fired to signal that other tents could open. More on Germany TOW-TALLY CRAZY Inside the luxurious £260,000 caravan that transforms into a BOAT WORLD’S DUMBEST DAD Dad goes to RIDICULOUS lengths to fake paternity & dodge maintenance The beer started flowing immediately – with millions expected to lap up festivities until the 187th Oktoberfest closes on October 3. In 2014, 7.7million litres of beer was served – the festival’s record since it began in 1810. Visitors from around the world will be able to stumble in and out a vast number of alcohol tents In additional to the dozens of regional beers on tap, the festival sees traditional parades and live music – along with opportunities to taste lots of delicious local cuisine. Most read in The Sun SHAMEFUL Man tackled to floor after trying to pull flag from Queen's coffin MAIL MYSTERY People are just realising what the GR & other symbols on postboxes mean HORROR RAMPAGE Moment man fights cops after stabbing 2 - before hero throws BIKE at him FINAL CALL 'Frantic phone call followed by silence' - how Charles learned Queen was dying BECKS' TEARS David Beckham wipes away tears at Queen's coffin after waiting 13hrs in queue ALL CHANGE Warning for WhatsApp users – new update totally changes texts forever Meanwhile, many more millions in cities around the world will attend celebrations modelled on the original Munich party. The world-famous beer festval – which normally takes place in Munich – was scrapped in 2020 for the first time since World War 2 because of the Covid pandemic. But dozens of bars in the Bavarian city planned their own boozy spin-off events called Pub Oktoberfest. The Oktoberfest has typically drawn about six million visitors every year to packed festival grounds in Bavarias capital. The event did not take place in 2020 and 2021 as authorities grappled with the unpredictable development of Covid infections and restrictions. Those worries were put aside this year. The city announced in late April that Oktoberfest would go ahead, and Reiter said Saturday that it was a good decision. Bavarian governor Markus Soeder said at the opening ceremony today: “I’m glad that we can finally celebrate together. Read More on The Sun ROYAL GLARE Mike Tindall was told off for breaking silence during the Queen's procession 'EMOTIONAL' Tearful Becks says 'we’ll never see her like again' after seeing Queen's coffin “There are many who say, Can we, can we not? Is it appropriate now? “I just want to say one thing: We have two or three difficult years behind us, no one knows exactly what this winter will be like, and we need joie de vivre and strength.” The festival runs until October 3Getty ReutersThis is the 187th Oktoberfest[/caption] Six million people are set to enjoy the festivalGetty APThe festival kicked off at midday[/caption] ReutersLocal cuisine is also on offer[/caption]