On September 23, JKPS hosted its annual Oktoberfest celebration for the Herne Hill community. This is the school’s biggest fundraiser and the Mog Chronicle was there to report on the festivities.

The 2023 Oktoberfest was a huge success and here are some of the best facts and figures from the day to prove it.

• 1,440 sausages eaten
• 30kg spaetzle bought
• 162.54kg fries consumed
• More than 60 salads devoured
• 750 pretzels sold
• 500 gingerbread eaten
• 460 portions of streuselkuchen handed out
• 41 kegs of beer emptied
• 130 bottles of wine and prosecco consumed
• Unknown: the ridiculous number of lemons squeezed.

The day raised a whopping £18,000 which will be spent on improvements to the school.

The Mog Chronicle was at Oktoberfest throughout the day interviewing those running the food stalls, serving beer and even the teachers enjoying the festivities.

Here is what they all had to say:

“It’s a place where both parents and children have equal amounts of fun,” said Andi, a JKPS parent. “I think it is special because everyone can make new friends,” said student Beatrix.

The beer stand was once again one of the busiest areas but this year there was a new offering: gluten free beer. It was such a hit that it was the first barrel to run dry. There were also branded memento pint glasses for sale for £5 or plastic reusable ones. “The beer is very good and there always is a really good choice,” said Eric as he sipped on a pint.

The atmosphere throughout the day was brilliant. There was hotdog eating in abundance and some students ran a homemade lemonade stall.

“I love the children, staff and families,” said JKPS teacher Miss Georgia. “I am so lucky because in my work I get to work with a whole range of children and their families who have the most amazing super powers.”

“There is a wonderful selection of food and drink and lots of room to sit down,” said parent David, although he did have one complaint: “The lines are a bit long.”

While lining up for the hotdogs, Natalie said: “I think there are many things for the children to do in the garden.”

“It’s amazing,” added Ruth. “There are so many trees. The children are being very helpful and it’s a lovely day.”

There were even some former JKPS families who came back to see their old friends and classmates. “We moved out of London and we missed all of our friends at Judith Kerr so we had to come back for Oktoberfest,” said Sarah, whose son Henry left Judith Kerr at the end of last year. “Henry was so excited. He was counting down the days.”

Overall, we think Oktoberfest was a huge success and can’t wait for the next one.