PEOPLE from across Gwent have been flocking to the popular Oktoberfest in the city.

The popular German folk festival set itself up at Tredegar Park in Newport yesterday (Fri) and will remain there until later today (Sat).

The event is believed to have "transformed" the city with its Bavarian selection of drinks, food and entertainment. More than 300 people are expected to attend the beer festival across the two days.

Taking place inside one of Europe’s largest touring beer tents, seven of the 13 festival events are already sold out.

The famous Oompah bands will play throughout the day, with a wide variety of German foods available.

"I went earlier today," said Lisa Gabriel.

"There were a lot of people there, probably because German beer is the best in the world and everyone wants to try it."

The 30-year-old from Old Cwmbran added: "It's buzzing and fantastic."

The announcement of the festival last week created a buzz of excitement, with more than 1,000 people marking themselves as interested in the Facebook event.

The adult-only event, run in conjunction with Newport City Council, is normally held annually in Germany from mid or late September, to the first weekend in October.

In the 16-day German event, fans would normally descend to a beer hall tent to enjoy music, games, entertainment, food and singing.

Lawrence Ham, who also lives in Cwmbran, said he was "looking forward" to trying different beers today (Sat).

"I last went to Oktoberfest two years ago in Germany and it was incredible," said the 25-year-old.

"It's the atmosphere that I enjoyed most. Hopefully the event here will be just as good."

Girlfriend Sian Lewis added: "We're going there with our friends.

"Lawrence has been once before and he loved it. This is my first time to Oktoberfest and I'm sure I will too."

For more information on the event, visit the website oktoberfestofficial.com