Oktoberfest returned to Old Town on the evening of Friday 18 September 2026, when Cllr Neil Hopkins, Swindon's Mayor for the municipal year, tapped the first keg at The Tuppenny on Devizes Road, following the Bavarian tradition. Swindon24 reported the opening the next day.
The pub was full for the opening night, Swindon24 said. A live Oompah band played for about three hours, mixing traditional Bavarian music with brass versions of pop and party songs, and many people came in lederhosen and other Bavarian-style dress.
It was the fifth year in a row that Oktoberfest has been held in Old Town. The beers on offer included brands from six Munich breweries (Hofbräu, Spaten, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Augustiner and Löwenbräu) as well as Oktoberfest-inspired beers from UK craft breweries.
Jamie, the owner of The Tuppenny, said: "It was brilliant to see the pub absolutely packed for the opening night and everyone really getting into the spirit of it."
Cllr Hopkins said: "I managed to tap the barrel without covering everyone in beer."
The festival ran on through Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, with free entry.
More from Swindo: Old Town, Swindon.
Source: Swindon24.