The incongruous group left a trail of bemused onlookers, some still clutching complementary pretzels, as it weaved its way through lunchtime crowds from Tsim Sha Tsui to Times Square.

While other festivals seem to be struggling to attract crowds, the German Bierfest, which runs until November 9 and is in its 12th year, remains a popular draw.

Part of the Hong Kong tradition is the band - Munich-based Notenhobler - which is making its 10th appearance at the festival.

Tuba player and bandleader Martin Weis said it was hard to pinpoint what kept crowds returning each year.

The festival, formerly attended predominantly by expatriates, now attracts increasing numbers of lederhosen-clad Chinese.

'I think they like everything, especially the games and activities,' Mr Weis said, overlooking the allure of enormous steins of beer, pork knuckles and sausages. 'Here in Hong Kong we have a lot of Chinese at the show, so we've changed the programme a little for the Chinese tastes.'

This even included learning a few old-time Chinese folk songs.

A spokeswoman for the hotel said this year's feature beer was Jever, which the Oxford Bottled Beer Database describes as a 'not for the faint of heart'.

Of course it didn't have to be beer, beer, beer, she added.

'Some customers may be health conscious, but they don't have to worry ... we've also got vegetables and fish.'

And apparently there's fruit in the schnapps.