Barton Lodge: Oktoberfest at the Love Life Café

On October 16th, Barton Lodge’s Love Life Cafe embraced the lively spirit of Germany with an Oktoberfest themed event and our very own Home Administrator, Christina, was at the heart of it all. Originally from Bochum in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Christina’s deep love for her homeland’s traditions shone through as she worked alongside activity coordinators Jenny and Sue to bring the event to life.

A brief history of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a world-famous festival that originally began in Munich in 1810 to celebrate the royal wedding of King Ludwig I of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. What started as a public celebration to mark the marriage quickly became an annual event that grew in scale and popularity, eventually becoming the vibrant festival, we know today. Although Oktoberfest in Munich officially ends in early October, the tradition is now celebrated in communities worldwide, with millions of people joining in the festivities each year.

Sharing the spirit of Germany

For Christina, Oktoberfest is more than just a festival; it’s a piece of home. Having moved to the UK in 1993, she’s carried her German roots with her and the chance to share a slice of that culture with the residents and guests was a true joy. She even created a fun German quiz, knowing that many of our residents, like Margot, had fond memories of Germany. Margot, who had lived there for many years, particularly enjoyed the quiz as it brought back so many happy moments.

A celebration of German culture

The atmosphere was vibrant, with German Oktoberfest music filling the air. Residents and guests couldn’t resist joining in the singing and dancing, with everyone taking part in classic tunes like “Roll Out the Barrel” and the German version, “Rosamunde” a favourite of Christina’s mother. The energy was contagious, and the room was alive with joy and laughter.

Sue and Jenny worked their magic in the dining room, decorating the space with Bavarian bunting, balloons and vibrant Prosit banners (Prosit is a German toast, much like “Cheers!” in English, used to wish health and happiness during celebrations). The tables were set with Bavarian-themed cloths and plates, creating a warm and welcoming environment that perfectly captured the spirit of Oktoberfest.

Delicious German treats

Of course, no Oktoberfest celebration is complete without traditional food and drink! Guests enjoyed delicious German Bratwurst with mustard in a bun, paired with refreshing non-alcoholic beer. For dessert, Christina treated everyone to an indulgent apple and chocolate gateau, a perfect end to the festivities.

A memorable monthly tradition

As part of our monthly Love Life Cafe events, this Oktoberfest celebration was a one-of-a-kind experience for all who attended. Love Life Cafe brings people together once a month for a themed gathering and each event is always something special. Everyone left with smiles on their faces and memories to cherish. As Jean said the next day, “Can we please have Oktoberfest every week?!” It’s clear that the event brought a lot of happiness to all who joined in.