Octoberfest Poole 2023

Background

The Fair teamed up with Oktoberfest South for 2023, kicking off the Munich-style celebrations in Poole Park, Dorset.

The organisers had not delivered the beer festival in Poole for a couple of years, so they were looking to return with a bang – looking for full event production (Oktoberfest-themed big-top anyone?), operational management and health and safety services.

Having delivered the South Coast’s biggest Oktoberfest celebration over in Southampton for the past five years, Oktoberfest South once again contracted The Fair to deliver the Munich-madness.

Across the weekend, through three sessions, Oktoberfest welcomed 5,000 punters into the Beer Hall extravaganza.

Steins and bratwurst were served en-masse to guests who were sporting traditional lederhosen and Dirndl dresses. Entertainment was delivered in the form of an interactive Oompah Band, who played Bavarian renditions of modern songs, interchanging with a DJ.

Challenge

Poole Park it located by the saltwater marsh, below the water table, meaning water rose through the ground as the week went on. Our team had to be fluid with the management of our ground protection, a challenge that we managed well.
The park also attracts a high amount of footfall which was a challenge during the build and derig, one that we tackled without incident.
Upon arriving at the park, we had to reconsider where we sited the big-top as a result of the ground conditions; considering where punters would be able to safely sit.
In between the two live sessions on the Saturday, there was a tight 1-hour time frame to reset all of the benches (neaten and clean) in the beer hall; clear away all empty cups; mop the floor; and service and empty the toilet trailers. We managed this through tight staff-scheduling.
The final challenge we faced was the tight derig schedule (Sunday and Monday). This was difficult because we wanted to avoid the Sunday delivery surcharge whilst safely clearing site. We succeeded in clearing the site by EOP Monday, handing the park back over to the council without issue.

8 days on site
Health & safety management and consulting
Event liaison team chairing
Safety Advisory Group attendance
Event Safety Management Plan & other safety documentation delivered
Premises Licence application and the licence was granted
Event Liaison Team Chair & management

Results

Delivery

Supplier procurement and management
Build, Live and Break Production Management
CAD site design and planning
Health and Safety auditing and management
Developing ESMP and H&S documents
Crew Management