OVERFLOWING steins, keen jousters and even a king were some of the features of the city’s first Oktoberfest, set in the lavish grounds of the spectacular Kryal Castle.
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More than 3500 people packed the grounds under vivid blue skies to welcome the jovial German celebration to Ballarat.
Frankston’s Adam Bosworth had made the trip to Ballarat to live out his life long dream of dressing up as a king for the day.
Much to his delight, Mr Bosworth was the only king of Kryal on Saturday.
“I am the king, and nobody would dare create a rivalry on castle grounds – it would be a bad thing,” the jubilant Mr Bosworth said.
Event director Gaz Kempster applauded the city for getting behind the event, and said the well-behaved crowd had helped ensure the festival was a resounding success.
“It’s great – the number of people who have turned up. We had 1500 bused in from Melbourne and people are coming from all over Victoria,” Mr Kempster said.
“Why wouldn’t you? Who wouldn’t want to celebrate Oktoberfest at Kryal Castle?”
Professional jouster Cliff Formosa was in the spirit, jousting as Sir Hector. In the warm conditions Sir Hector battled it out in full armour, eventually succumbing to champion The Black Knight.
Oktoberfest attendees flocked to the main arena to watch the event – where two knights, in full armour, faced each other with lances while riding Spanish horses.
“In real battles they use steel coronets with an iron spike – the main target it to strike the shield to allow yourself to be hit,” Mr Formosa said.
“You present yourself – as if to say ‘go for it’.”
In the event there are five passes and five breaks.
“The winner is the jouster who breaks the most lances,” Mr Formosa said.
The professional horseman has been jousting for just under two years – and said the opportunity to work at Kryal Castle drew him to the unusual sport.
“It’s a great atmosphere and a great crowd (at Oktoberfest),” Mr Formosa said.
“The crowd makes the horse more excited – when there’s a party they want to party.”
Festival goer Jamie Ferrer attended his first ever Oktoberfest.
“It’s awesome – it’s sunny, there are heaps of people here,” the Ballarat local said.
Mr Ferrer was decked out in a Lederhosen outfit.
“I bought it off ebay – how often do you get to dress up like this?” he said.
On Sunday 500 people flooded the grounds for family day. A normal program was run – with jousting, wizards and a Bavarian Band entertaining crowds.
Organisers were largely impressed with the crowd behaviour and hope to make Oktoberfest an annual event.
