According to Johnny Kluten of Wharfedale Pro distributor IAG GmbH, who sold the speakers, to have so many British boxes roaming free in Bavaria - the backyard of Germany’s most famous loudspeaker manufacturer - was an added bonus. Kluten says it was the versatility of the high-output Programme series that appealed to a range of exhibitors, exposing them to some 5 million people over the two weeks. "We had some idea about the attributes of competitive boxes but we believe the Programme series was a better product at a better price - and the feedback we have received from the tent owners has confirmed that," says Kluten. "Many immediately contacted the installers to comment on the sound quality."
These included Augustiner-Bräu, Ochsenbraterei, Loewenbräu, Hacker Festzelt, Schützen-Festhalle, Hofbräu-Festhalle and Armbrustschützen. Kluten explained that most of the speakers were wall-mounted outside the tents, taking a vast assortment of feeds - from voice announcements to live accordion and brass bands to rock bands - all performing inside. Aside from the music what delicacies await the Oktoberfest visitor? Spit-roast ox, organic chicken, duck and goose served with a cold Oktoberfest beer from a wooden keg; a diverse range of dumplings including potato, cabbage, liver, spinach and plum - as well as other authentic Bavarian gourmet specialties.
(Lee Baldock)
