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Sunday, 23 September 2007, 14:32 GMT 15:32 UK

In pictures: Oktoberfest opens

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Marching band musicians in traditional Bavarian dress and parade floats - laden with supplies - filled the route of the Munich beer festival's opening parade.

Oktoberfest 23 September 2007

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Acrobats walking on their hands were among the performers who wowed revellers during the Oktoberfest processions.

Oktoberfest 23 September 2007

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Organisers are hoping to top the figure of nearly 1bn euros (£697m) that was generated for the southern German city last year by the extravaganza.

Visitors checked by security personal as they enter a beer tent at Munich's Theresienwiese fairground on 22 September 2007

Visitors checked by security personal as they enter a beer tent at Munich's Theresienwiese fairground on 22 September 2007

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There were strict security checks at entry points to the event, which is expected to attract six million people.

Crowds at Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich's Theresienwiese fairground 22 September 2007

Crowds at Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich's Theresienwiese fairground 22 September 2007

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The 16 days of eye-popping festivities are held at Theresienwiese fairground.

A waitress serves customers in a beer tent during the official opening the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich

A waitress serves customers in a beer tent during the official opening the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich

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Over the course of the event, an estimated six million litres (10.5m pints) of beer are expected to be drunk.

Crowds at Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich on 23 September 2007

Crowds at Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich on 23 September 2007

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Drinkers perch on long wooden tables inside the 14 huge beer tents that have been set up.

Girls in traditional Bavarian dress at Oktoberfest

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Even those not old enough to buy alcohol dressed up and joined in the fun.

Oktoberfest

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Some could easily find it little more than a blur.

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