A taste of Germany was delivered by the jug-load as Carlisle’s first-ever Oktoberfest got underway.

More than 150 people were expected to have packed themselves in to the city’s Old Fire Station venue on Saturday to enjoy the famous Bavarian festival.

You’d have been forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into Germany within seconds of walking into the Rickergate building, recently reopened after being deluged in December’s floods.

Organisers of the beer and music festival had decorated the venue with a collection of long tables with check table clothes complete with beer steins galore.

Beer was flowing with a steady stream of people making the short but regular journey to the bar at McGrew’s Bistro to keep their thirst quenched.

The idea was coined by Danny Maudling, of Mighty Boof Promotions, who alongside the Old Fire Station team, made the event happen.

Danny said: “It’s October and we just wanted to try and do something new for Carlisle.

“It would be nice to make this a yearly event. A lot of other cities do it.”

Asked what makes Oktoberfest events so popular, Danny added: “Beer, drink and music. What’s not to like?

“I’ve been to the real Oktoberfest and I thought I would bring it here because it’s so good.”

On the stage keeping everyone entertained was a live oompah band.

Rob Donlevy, 41, and partner Sarah Beeden, from Penrith, travelled to Carlisle especially for the event.

“There’s beer, music and comedy. What’s better than a half a dozen Brummies dressed up on stage telling jokes,” he said.

“It’s something a bit different for Carlisle.”

The original Oktoberfest in Munich can boast roots back to 1810. It is the largest festival of its kind in the world. At the foot of the Bavaria Statue, adjacent to the huge Oktoberfest grounds, there are also a range of fun activities.