Munich, Oct. 7 (Reuters): Beer fans drank the equivalent of six Olympic-sized swimming pools full of beer during the two-week Oktoberfest in Germany, close to the annual event’s record.

About 6.3 million people flocked to the world’s biggest beer festival, which ended on Sunday, and drank 6.1 million litres. Only in 2000, when a record 6.5 million litres were drunk, was more consumed.

The festival reported a jump in attendance after a two-year decline following the September 11 attacks in the US.