THE organisers of Colchester’s Oktoberfest say the event will be back - but possibly for one day only this year.

The famous Oktoberfest will be returning to Castle Park - but organisers said in an online announcement the event, which is in its third year, will be for one day only - on Saturday, October 26.

This year, the sessions will be in the afternoon and evening at Lower Castle Park.

Tickets are also cheaper - now starting £10.

Neil Roberts, who is in charge of organising the event, said they were keeping their options open and could either hold the event over two days, one day, or keep the Friday for “something different”.

He said: “We have just put the Saturday out as a date for now, we are looking into something different for the Friday evening.

“We are keeping our options open, we could still potentially have the event on both days.

“We have a few ideas kicking around but we don’t really want to say what until it has been decided.

“However it will be broadly in keeping with the events under canvas theme.”

Organisers stepped up security last year after residents living near Castle Park criticised the event.

After its first year, residents reported drunk guests were making too much noise leaving the event via the Dutch Quarter.

Last year about 4,000 people attended the event, which was held in a slightly bigger tent than the previous year.

The celebration includes live Oompah bands, steins of beer and famous Bratwursts.

Darius Laws (Con), ward councillor for the area, said: “Last year the council’s events team, myself and residents had a frank chat about the challenges.

“Organisers created a second route to leave the event, via Castle Park, which mitigated the noise.

“It was a well-organised event and well-managed events are always welcome, but security measures need to be taken into account.

“I’m not terrified of another Oktoberfest, in general I know it was a much improved event.”

Tickets are available now, visit www.oktoberfestcolchester.co.uk.