STRAP on your lederhosen and hang on to your bratwurst – Swindon’s answer to Oktoberfest is coming to town.

Specialist German beer festival organisers Beerfest UK will be filling out the MECA in Regent Circus tonight with a range of German ales to accompany an evening of traditional music and entertainment.

It is the second time the festival has visited Swindon, with tickets selling out last year.

Sheila Marsh, one of the organisers, said of last year’s event: “The MECA was packed and everyone was worked really hard to get the beer flowing. It was down to the last keg at closing.”

And more is promised tonight. Sheila added: “There will be German beers and we have a band to play music and different sorts of traditional foods.

“There will be dancing and music as well. It’s always a great event and it’s going to be great fun.”

From 5pm to 11pm, bartenders sporting traditional costumes will serve a sizzling selection of food including chargrilled bratwurst sausage, sauerkraut and frikadellen and mouth watering pretzels.

There will also be opportunities to join in the dancing, watch a magical performer, and a photographer to snap your memories.

Sheila said: “We have got two different German beers available.

“From experience it isn’t good to have too many beers, but there will be plenty of other drinks available as well.

“It is not compulsory to dress up for the event, but in the past many have turned their own hand to wearing traditional German costume.

“But it isn’t just about the beer, it’s about the whole experience – the music, the dancing and the traditional costumes.

“Last year we had a great time, it was sold out and we were really busy.”

The German beer festival is only one of a handful of different beer festivals which take place during the year in Swindon, including the Swindon Beer Festival hosted by the Campaign for Real Ale group.

Last year the festival was held in the STEAM Museum where hundreds of beer lovers turned out to sample 130 ales, ciders and perries.

There is still time to grab your tickets for tonight’s festival.

Tickets are priced £10 in advance by visiting http://www.beerfestuk.com/ swindon2014.html and £15 on the door.

Groups of at least eight people can also book a table, which will only be held until 7pm.