Over 40,000 people are expected to turn up for this year’s Oktoberfest, an annual festival of beer, food and music, said Marsovin head of sales Simon Grech yesterday.

Mr Grech was speaking at the launch of Oktoberfest 2006, which will be held between Thursday, 5 October and Sunday, 8 October at the Lowenbrau brewery in Qormi.

There will be two stages – the main stage and the 1565 House of Rock, explained Mr Grech.

Various artistes, such as the Val Valente band, Freddie Portelli, Chiara, Fabrizio Faniello, J. Anvil, Olivia Lewis, Hooligan and Ali & Lis, will perform on the main stage over the four nights.

Scream Daisy, Corkskrew, Beangrowers, and Chris D’Alfonso will be among the local bands performing in the 1565 House of Rock.

A huge variety of food will be available, ranging from German, Oriental and Turkish to Italian cuisine.

A special edition Oktoberfest brew will also be available over the four nights, and can be enjoyed in the traditional Oktoberfest mugs that have been shipped over specifically for the event from Germany.

Doors are open from 7pm till late.