REVELLERS flocked to the now annual Oktoberfest celebration in Priory Park.

Southend Oktoberfest returned on Saturday and was a huge hit with fancy dress, entertainment and lots of beer.

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Pals - these four women certainly dressed to impress

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Ooooompah! - many groups donned their lederhosen

Acts included Oompah bands and singers with plenty of chances for the crowd to join in with the interactive performances.

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And the crowds took up the chance as the tent based gig took its turn in Southend for one night only.

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Outfits - Katy Honey, Joe Foreland and Stewart Turner

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.

Billy Coppard, 25, from Broadway, Leigh said: “We had a brilliant day, I loved the music and atmosphere.

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Cheers! - the event proved to be very popular

“I’ve been to this company’s events in the past and they never let us down.

“I loved the entertainment and everyone was in such great spirits.

“The bands were amazing and worked really hard and kept the high energy going.

“Lots of people have been saying how great it was.

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Stacked! - Shaun Manning assembles a tower of beer cups

“There was a great selection of different beers to try and test which is always very nice.

“My friends and I all went in fancy dress and it was great so see so many other people get into the spirit as well.”

The event moves onto Colchester this weekend.