IN PICTURES | Oktoberfest 2018: The world's largest beer festival

The 183rd Oktoberfest, taking place in Munich, was first held in 1810 in honour of the Bavarian crown prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It is expected to attract more than 6 million visitors.

Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, begins in Munich, Germany, on 22 September. A celebration of Bavarian folk traditions, the event is attended by more than 6.2 million tourists from around the world. (Photo | AFP) 

People run to enter the 185th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany. (Photo | AP)

First visitors book tables inside a tent before the official opening of the 185th Oktoberfest, Munich's annual beer festival, on September 22, 2018 in Munich, southern Germany. The world's largest beer festival is held from September 22 until October 7, 2018. (Photo | AFP)

People enter the 185th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany. (Photo | AP)

A German waitress takes a selfie as the first visitors arrive to book tables before the official opening of the 185th Oktoberfest, Munich's annual beer festival, on September 22, 2018 in Munich, southern Germany. (Photo | AFP)

People lift beer glasses during a parade as part of the opening of the 185th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany. (Photo | AFP)

Women wearing traditional Bavarian dirndl pose with the new Oktoberfest beer mugs after a press conference at the Oktoberfest grounds in Munich. (Photo | AFP)

People wave during a parade as part of the opening of the 185th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany. (Photo | AP)

Girls in traditional Bavarian dress enjoy the beer. (Twitter)

Oktoberfest has gone from strength to strength as an attraction, attracting ever-more drinkers to its benches. (Twitter)

People run to enter the 185th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany. (Photo | AP)