Beer we go again: Oktoberfest Beag organisers hope to return to Cork

ORGANISERS behind Cork beer festival Oktoberfest Beag have said they are hoping to host the event again this year.

A spokesperson for the festival told The Echo that they feel the city is lacking a suitable event space for festivals such as this but they are determined to press ahead.

”Although we were hugely disappointed with the cancellation last year, plans are ongoing with Oktoberfest Beag for 2019,” they said.

“Cork City is lacking suitable event space for large events however with the support of the local authorities, business/resident associations and festival goers, we hope to bring the festival back to Cork City,” they added.

The festival, which has grown into one of the city’s biggest in recent years, was cancelled a week before taking place last year after discussions between the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) failed to reach a satisfactory conclusion for both sides.

VFI had concerns regarding security in city pubs and clubs with a predicted spillover of revellers from the event’s location at the docklands into the city and the strength of alcohol on sale at the event.

Organisers had sought a licence for the event which VFI objected to. 

The objection was then withdrawn after consultation but VFI would not provide Oktoberfest Beag with a letter confirming the objection would not be resubmitted.

Up to 15,000 ticket buyers for the event were refunded and the future of the event was placed in doubt despite having run successfully for eight years previously.

The festival was due to take place over two weekends last September.