Lederhosen and steins are coming to Southend this October.

The world famous Oktoberfest is being held in Priory Park over three days.

Traditionally, Oktoberfest is held annually in the Bavarian city of Munich, Germany, and is a 16- to 18-day folk festival running from mid or late September to the first weekend in October.

More than six million people from around the world attend the event every year.

Ann Holland, Executive Councillor for culture, tourism and the economy at Southend Council said it was great news for the town, bringing a largely social event to Southend, which also has a lot of cultural history.

She added: “It is certainly good news for Southend to bring such a large event to the town.

“The culture and arts scene is Southend is thriving, and really vibrant at the moment.

“It is the kind of event which will attract a lot of people, and not just from Southend.

“You hope that people come for Oktoberfest, see what this lovely town has to offer, and return again either to visit or for other events.

“It is an event which has a fantastic social side, but it does also have that culture and history behind it.

“Any festival like this is great news for the town.

“I will be there, although I am more of a wine person myself, but I am sure my sons will have a few large beers.”

The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, having been held since the year 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Sace-Hildburghausen.

The royal newlyweds deemed the party so great that they wanted to repeat it every year and so Oktoberfest has been celebrated in Munich every autumn since then.

During the event, large quantities of Oktoberfest Beer are consumed. During the 16-day festival in 2013, for example, 7.7 million litres were served.

Now the people of south Essex will have the chance to enjoy the beer, music and food of this famous festival.

A huge bier tent will be put up in the park and there will be a variety of traditional beer on offer.

There is seating inside the tent, as well as live music from traditional oompah bands and folk groups.

There will also be traditional food from the stalls outside, including German sausages.

Tickets are on sale now, with early bird discounts available until May 8.

The festival opens on Friday, October 19, from 6pm, with standing tickets costing £10 if booked with the discount, or £15 if booked later.

There also seating tickets available, with prices starting at £20.

Customers can also buy a VIP table for 10 people for £375. Oktoberfest has previously been brought to Chelmsford and Colchester, where it proved hugely successful with residents from nearby and further afield.