The people of Munich are getting ready to welcome the world to the 175th Oktoberfest, Europe's most famous beer festival.

For two weeks from Saturday the city will be buzzing with people visiting the capital city of Bavaria.

Final preparations are being carried out, stall owners are perfecting their layout and the first mini-beers have been sampled by the Mayor of the city.

The festival organiser Gabriele Weishaeupl said she is expecting around six million visitors at this year's festival.

She said: "We are expecting satisfied visitors and shows, if the weather plays along.

"We will welcome people from all over the world. It is mainly a festival for the people of Munich, but also a big festival for the world."

The first litre of beer will be poured on Saturday at a traditional ceremony.

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