Oktoberfest in Munich - in pictures

Talk about a knees-up: men in traditional Bavarian lederhosen make up the Riflemen's Procession at the start of Oktoberfest 2011 Photograph: Alexandra Beier/Getty Images

Children take part in the costume parade too, one of the largest of its kind with almost 9,000 participants lining the 7km route Photograph: Tobias Hase/EPA

Jumping the queue: a Moresca dancer entertains the crowds during the shooting club traditional costume parade Photograph: Tobias Hase/EPA

Musicians at the Theresienwiese fairground, the focal point of Oktoberfest celebrations Photograph: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images

A souvenir stall in the Theresienwiese, bearing the logo of Munich's famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall Photograph: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images

The Theresienwiese tents fill to bursting with hundreds of locals and tourists every day Photograph: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images

Bavarian women wearing traditionally modest dirndls tuck into their steins of beer Photograph: Tobias Hase/EPA

Meanwhile Oktoberfest tourists pose in more youthful versions as Munich welcomes visitors from around the globe Photograph: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images

The Theresienwiese was named after Princess Therese who married Prince Ludwig I here in 1812, an event Oktoberfest commemorates to this day Photograph: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images

The Theresienwiese beautifully illuminated against the night sky over Munich Photograph: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images