Beer lovers gather for Oktoberfest

General view of the Theresienwiese on day 3 of the Oktoberfest Photograph: Miguel Villagran/Getty Images Visitors crowd into a tent at the Theresienwiese fairground Photograph: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images A waitress relaxes in the sun in front of a beer tent Photograph: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images Visitors kiss as they take a break from the festival Photograph: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images A Bavarian mountain rifleman at the opening ceremony of the 'historical wiesn' Photograph: Matthias Schrader/AP A waitress prepares tables Photograph: Karl Josef Hildenbrand/EPA A traditional brass band takes part in a parade as Oktoberfest kicks off Photograph: Tobias Hase/EPA Visitors toast with beer-filled steins on the opening day Photograph: Alexandra Beier/Getty Images Men attend the traditional costume and marksmen parade Photograph: Andreas Gebert/EPA Visitors on a fun ride during day two of the Oktoberfest Photograph: Miguel Villagran/Getty Images A waitress carries seven beers Photograph: Andreas Gebert/EPA Bavarian riflemen take part in a parade Photograph: Matthias Schrader/AP A couple wearing Oktoberfest hats take a break Photograph: Miguel Villagran/Getty Images Visitors wearing historical dress eat and drink in one of the Oktoberfest halls Photograph: Matthias Schrader/AP Visitors sit in a chairoplane at the fairground Photograph: Christof Stache/AFP/Getty Images Girls in traditional Bavarian outfits participate in the riflemen's parade Photograph: Alexandra Beier/Getty Images Revellers reach for a one-litre stein of beer in the Hofbrauhaus tent Photograph: Thomas Kienzle/AFP/Getty Images A woman sits amongst musicians playing during the second day of the festival Photograph: Matthias Schrader/AP Visitors on a fairground ride in front of St Paul's church Photograph: Matthias Schrader/AP