Oktoberfest have announced they are cancelling. their 2019 event due to “unprecedented increases” in their insurance premium.
The news was announced on their Facebook page on Wednesday afternoon.
In a statement, organisers said that the move was due to the “unprecedented increases in our insurance premium” – but asked fans to “look forward” to their return in 2020.
They said:
“Dear Oktoberfest fans & friends,
“It is with much disappointment that we make this announcement: Unfortunately this years event will not be going ahead.
“As much as we love coming to Dublin and doing our event with you guys the 2019 event cannot go ahead due to unprecedented increases in our insurance premium.
“In Germany we are not used to the claim culture that has developed in Ireland and therefore we have decided to take a break this year. The belief that putting in an insurance claim doesn’t hurt anyone except the insurance company is incorrect, consequently great fun events like ours find it hard to go ahead when suspect insurance claims from a small minority of people can ruin it for everybody.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal patrons and Irish partners that have helped us with the event over the years and ask you to look forward to Oktoberfest 2020.”
The annual festival, which has taken place in the capital for the last few years, had been previously expected to return in September.