Oktoberfests around the world

As Oktoberfests get underway around the world, we've selected the top five.

Germany
Oktoberfest in Munich is currently in full swing. Featuring tens of types of beer as well as family-friendly rides, games and food stalls, it's one for beer lovers as well as their (less interested) nearest and dearest. If you don't have time to get there (the fest draws to a close on Oct 4) there's still time to visit Germany's alternative Oktoberfest in Hannover (Sep 25 to Oct 11). You'll find the same family-orientated fairs and stalls as well as firework displays and lantern parades in the evenings.

Canada
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest in Ontario, Canada opened humbly in 1969 and has since evolved into the biggest Bavarian festival in North America. Raise a glass (or few) to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year (Oct 9 to 17). As well as that heavenly liquid gold, there's a Berlin art gallery, interactive games, a murder mystery train ride and childrens activities.

Japan
The Japanese have the right idea with Rocktoberfest: beer and music combined. Based on the island of Okinawa (Oct 10 to 11), the festival is a two-day fiesta of rock and booze...

Australia
The capital city of Canberra hosts its own Oktoberfest at the end of the month (Oct 30 to Nov 1) with plenty of pretzels, sauerkraut and German sausages. And to prove its Bavarian credentials there's a yodeling competition and beer stein challenges plus music and entertainment.

UK
The UK has five outposts of Bierfest: Aberdeen (Oct 1 to 2); London (Oct 21 to 23); Glasgow (Oct 22); Edinburgh (Oct 23); Dublin (Oct 30 to 31) and Manchester (Nov 19 to 20). Expect the usual Bavarian fun with traditional outfits, food and a range of German beers.