Various basic info about Oktoberfest

Hi all, I'm going to oktoberfest this year (Sep 23rd - 27th) and would just like to know some basic things from who've been if it's possible:-

Italian weekend - I hear it's in the middle so unfortunately it looks like i'll be there with them, is the "Italian" weekend much different from a normal weekend? and are they really as bad as I hear?

There's a group of 4 of us who are Welsh (British), aged 20 and single, what tents would you advise? (I've looked at the tent descriptions on websites but would like personal views) and what's the odds of us getting seats in the tents (we'd be looking to arrive at noon each day) We're worried about not getting served so even if we cant get in some tents what are the odds of seats in the beer gardens?

My main worry is the Thalkirchen Camping Site, we're looking to going there, we have a flight arriving at 6pm on the wednesday 23rd and we're hoping that there will be spaces for us to camp, what's the chances by that date that the camp site will be fully booked? Looks like we'd be camping in some alley if they're full haha.

What is the festival like during weekdays?

How much trouble should we expect to come across, as in fighting etc,

Is the area safe? as in walking from the station to the festivals etc?

How much would we be looking at spending for a taxi from the airport to Thalkirchen? I think its roughly 20km.

Very sorry for the many questions, but if anyone has spare time and can answer it would be much appreciated, thanks!

Of the 6 million visitors to Oktoberfest each year, you're the first person to ever ask any of these questions.

Excellent

As much or as little as you want

As a dolls house. (Full of drunken, mysoginistic Italians)

€50

I have lots of spare time so I went to a lot of trouble just for you... I hope your questions could be answered.

Italian weekend - Dont worry about 'em. No serious problem. At worse steer clear.

Which tents? - - On the weekeend, take any that you can get into. On a weekday, take a look in all of them to decide.

Tent Outside. - You will get served outside if you get a seat.

Thalkirchen Camping Site -Maybe there is a website that has Wiesn Camping info. You may have to camp out of town and take the train in. it is doable.

Weekdays - The best time to go! The tents are open all evening. Forget the weekends if possible. Saturdays the tents close early.

How much trouble ... fighting etc? - You might see a fight in a tent. But the bouncers jump on it quite quickly. Avoid Brits!

Is the area safe? as in walking from the station to the festivals etc? - Yes! For blokes. I've never had a problem.

Taxi from the airport to Thalkirchen? - 50 Euro? Train is about 8 Euro each with one change of train.

Thanks very much.

I'd just like to add...

Which tents? - - i would avoid the hippodrom personaly, they are really strict with rules ie dont be too loud, dont stand on the benchs ect ect. plus they serve spaten (its the fosters/carling of german beer)

ian means that the tents are full very early on Saturdays and close their doors to new arrivals. Still, be patient and polite and try the side and rear entrances.
Use your native caution, keep your wallet in a safe place and avoid dark alleyways.