The Insider

This week it's the turn of Erdinger Oktoberfest to entertain Dublin's thirsty beer- lovers. This year's event will kick off tomorrow evening at George's Dock in the IFSC with a celebration of all things Bavarian.

German Ambassador for Ireland Dr Eckhard Lubkemeier will join forces with Werner Brombach, the CEO for Erdinger, to perform the official 'tapping' of the first keg and get the party officially started.

Back for the fifth year, the event, will run until October 7. There will be plenty of busty barmaids and lederhosen-wearing bar staff with traditional Oktoberfest music, beer games and typical Bavarian food, such as Bratwurst and Leberkase.

Radio Nova will broadcast live from the festival with loads of goodies up for grabs.

•Charity queen Caroline Downey-Desmond is due to be honoured with yet another award this month.

The MCD boss has campaigned tirelessly to raise funds for the ISPCC and has raised €38m for Irish charities.

The red carpet will be rolled out at the Mansion House next Friday for the Chello Foundation Charity Ball as she receives its Humanitarian Achievement Award. The foundation was set up to help AIDS orphans in sub-Sarahan Africa.

The ball is now in its fourth year and is one of its main fundraisers. Previous recipients of its awards include Bob Geldof, Peter Sutherland and the late Shane O'Neill.

Caroline also picked up an accolade at the Variety Humanitarian Awards gala.

•Georgia Salpa launched VaVaVoom after flying back here to help unveil the new online fashion label.

And now Ireland is due to get its first web TV dedicated to fashion and lifestyle.

Launched in Temple Bar during the Absolut Fringe Festival, the new online channel aims to be a unique platform for Irish designers, jewellers, craft makers, artists and performers. It also presents lifestyle and fashion features. It will also dish up tips on grooming and styling, make-up and beauty advice and provide celebrity news.

Executive co-producer Cynthia Baloula said the show will be travelling around the country as they get the lowdown from some of the designers and stylists making a big splash at the moment.

•Rehearsals are under way at the The Gate Theatre for a new play by Declan Hughes, entitled The Last Summer.

Running as part of Dublin Theatre Festival, the curtain will rise on October 2.

Described as a "bittersweet comedy of love and loss" from the award-winning playwright, it's set in 1977 in the suburbs of south-east Dublin against a backdrop of rock classics from such greats as Rush, Boston, Thin Lizzy and The Eagles.

Cast members include Cathy Belton, alongside Peter Hanly, Declan Conlon and Gary Lydon, who featured in Steven Spielberg's War Horse.