While Newcastle were at home to face Aston Villa in the tea time kick-off on Saturday, there were big crowds in town long before kick off at St James' Park. And that's because the second weekend of Oktoberfest brought loads of people out to party in serious style in Times Square, not long after the clock had struck 12 noon.

After a dismal return to league duty on Monday night, when United's first game in three weeks saw them thrashed 4-1 on the road at Coventry, Mattias Jaissel's team were hoping to get a much needed three points on the board against Villa at SJP this weekend, with a full house expected inside the stadium for the 5.30pm clash.

But there was a party atmosphere in Newcastle city centre long before that, as people headed into the massive marquee in Times Square for the second Saturday in a row, after the big event's return for 2026 got started seven days ago. if you've ever been to Oktoberfest in Newcastle, you'll know the atmosphere is always electric and loads of revellers seize the opportunity to dress for the occasion, by donning lederhosen and girdles.

By the time ChronicleLive headed down to Oktoberbest not long after 2pm, the party was already in full swing with people up dancing on benches, others singing along in their seats and brave sold negotiating the crowds clutching the precious cargo of giant steins of beer in their hands.

Saturday's Oktoberfest was split into two sessions, with a whole new crowd expected to start arriving for the evening party around 6pm, as all those who packed out Times Square in the afternoon continued their evenings elsewhere. And, the good news for anyone who hasn't been yet, is that there will be two more Oktoberfest Newcastle sessions next Saturday, October 24, the night after Times Square plays host to Ruby Rae's XL country music festival.

If you were at Oktoberfest on Saturday or knew anyone that was, see if you can see yourself, or you mates, in our gallery of photos below...