05:02Thousands of visitors attended the area of Theresienwiese in Munich on Saturday as the world's most famous beer festival, Oktoberfest, kicked off.
According to reports, 600 police officers and more than a thousand stewards are deployed to maintain security of the annual event held weeks after August 23 knife attack in Solingen that claimed the lives of three and left eight injured.
Meanwhile, festival-goers report feeling safe and secure. "I'm relaxed, I'm hardly aware of my things and there is a lot of police presence and there are always a lot of security people, each tent has its staff and in general it's very good," a visitor said.
Another attendee stressed that despite the increased measures 'nobody can't maintain 100 per cent security you need to have your concerns and you need to look for your safety'.
Footage shows crowds of people watching the festive parade with musicians playing as well as queuing for local specialities of sausages and sweets, riding the Ferris wheel and fully enjoying the Oktoberfest atmosphere.
"It is a first-time experience, the first Oktoberfest, and the first opening, it is so amazing!" shared a visitor.
Some six million tourists from around the world are expected to visit Theresienwiese during the fortnight of the festival.
Oktoberfest has been a staple of German culture since 1810 and was created by Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to thank his wife, Therese, for her support after their marriage. Today, Oktoberfest attracts millions of people each year, making it one of the largest Volksfests (people's festivals) in the world.
The Oktoberfest festival will take place from September 21 to October 6.
Beer, bratwurst, and watchful eyes - Thousands of Oktoberfest fans gather in Munich amid unprecedented security measures
Thousands of visitors attended the area of Theresienwiese in Munich on Saturday as the world's most famous beer festival, Oktoberfest, kicked off.
According to reports, 600 police officers and more than a thousand stewards are deployed to maintain security of the annual event held weeks after August 23 knife attack in Solingen that claimed the lives of three and left eight injured.
Meanwhile, festival-goers report feeling safe and secure. "I'm relaxed, I'm hardly aware of my things and there is a lot of police presence and there are always a lot of security people, each tent has its staff and in general it's very good," a visitor said.
Another attendee stressed that despite the increased measures 'nobody can't maintain 100 per cent security you need to have your concerns and you need to look for your safety'.
Footage shows crowds of people watching the festive parade with musicians playing as well as queuing for local specialities of sausages and sweets, riding the Ferris wheel and fully enjoying the Oktoberfest atmosphere.
"It is a first-time experience, the first Oktoberfest, and the first opening, it is so amazing!" shared a visitor.
Some six million tourists from around the world are expected to visit Theresienwiese during the fortnight of the festival.
Oktoberfest has been a staple of German culture since 1810 and was created by Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to thank his wife, Therese, for her support after their marriage. Today, Oktoberfest attracts millions of people each year, making it one of the largest Volksfests (people's festivals) in the world.
The Oktoberfest festival will take place from September 21 to October 6.
Thousands of visitors attended the area of Theresienwiese in Munich on Saturday as the world's most famous beer festival, Oktoberfest, kicked off.
According to reports, 600 police officers and more than a thousand stewards are deployed to maintain security of the annual event held weeks after August 23 knife attack in Solingen that claimed the lives of three and left eight injured.
Meanwhile, festival-goers report feeling safe and secure. "I'm relaxed, I'm hardly aware of my things and there is a lot of police presence and there are always a lot of security people, each tent has its staff and in general it's very good," a visitor said.
Another attendee stressed that despite the increased measures 'nobody can't maintain 100 per cent security you need to have your concerns and you need to look for your safety'.
Footage shows crowds of people watching the festive parade with musicians playing as well as queuing for local specialities of sausages and sweets, riding the Ferris wheel and fully enjoying the Oktoberfest atmosphere.
"It is a first-time experience, the first Oktoberfest, and the first opening, it is so amazing!" shared a visitor.
Some six million tourists from around the world are expected to visit Theresienwiese during the fortnight of the festival.
Oktoberfest has been a staple of German culture since 1810 and was created by Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to thank his wife, Therese, for her support after their marriage. Today, Oktoberfest attracts millions of people each year, making it one of the largest Volksfests (people's festivals) in the world.
The Oktoberfest festival will take place from September 21 to October 6.