We are delighted to (re)announce...
(with a slight change of date due to the Covid business)
We are planning to celebrate
the 10th Anniversary of BlokeFest
3rd - 5th SEPTEMBER 2021!
and thought we better mention it before you all get booked up...
All dependent on LOTS of people being VERY good for weeks to come,
but it's looking promising...
(with a slight change of date due to the Covid business)
We are planning to celebrate
the 10th Anniversary of BlokeFest
3rd - 5th SEPTEMBER 2021!
and thought we better mention it before you all get booked up...
All dependent on LOTS of people being VERY good for weeks to come,
but it's looking promising...
A bit about BlokeFest 2021 plans
In 2020 we had a thoroughly enjoyable day-long Global "Virtual" BlokeFest event on-the-line, which meant we were able to gather to enjoy workshops, videos and banter as well as the late-night whisky club with blokes from both hemispheres.
We had been planning big things for our 10th Anniversary, but we’re being a bit cautious at the moment and are focused on delivering a simple, Covid-aware event in 2021.
Firstly, the date – it’s a bit later in the Summer so more of us have had a chance to get both vaccinations and we’re well past the 21 June Stage 4 date Roadmap out of Lockdown.
We had been planning big things for our 10th Anniversary, but we’re being a bit cautious at the moment and are focused on delivering a simple, Covid-aware event in 2021.
Firstly, the date – it’s a bit later in the Summer so more of us have had a chance to get both vaccinations and we’re well past the 21 June Stage 4 date Roadmap out of Lockdown.
About this year's location
We have a new place for BlokeFest, The Cooper’s Arms in Pewsey - more below.
It's a friendly, thatched pub a short walk from the town centre with a big camping field. Being on the edge of town has a number of advantages – there are shops if you’ve forgotten milk for your cornflakes and B&B options if you don’t fancy the canvas option.
We’re also planning on having all BlokeFest activities in the camping field, so workshops will take place in the Big Top and there is a large marquee with a full bar as well as a wonderful vintage van for spirits & cocktails.
So, we’ll be as well ventilated as the weather allows and, you don’t even have to go into the pub building if you don’t want to.
We have a new place for BlokeFest, The Cooper’s Arms in Pewsey - more below.
It's a friendly, thatched pub a short walk from the town centre with a big camping field. Being on the edge of town has a number of advantages – there are shops if you’ve forgotten milk for your cornflakes and B&B options if you don’t fancy the canvas option.
We’re also planning on having all BlokeFest activities in the camping field, so workshops will take place in the Big Top and there is a large marquee with a full bar as well as a wonderful vintage van for spirits & cocktails.
So, we’ll be as well ventilated as the weather allows and, you don’t even have to go into the pub building if you don’t want to.
However...
It should be noted however that if social-distancing rules are kept in force, we don’t think we’ll be able to run the event successfully. We’ve limited our financial exposure so that if this is the case, we can guarantee a full refund for tickets – including those of you who rolled over your tickets from last year.
The essential elements of BlokeFest will remain the same - learning and singing great songs, fantastic food, (some) silly games a cabaret and of course, good beer and good company – but we’re holding off firming up the detail for a while yet, so we ask for your patience during this time of uncertainty.
We would like you to book however. The most important thing for us to judge at the moment is how many blokes are likely to be there. This will help us structure the weekend to be as safe and as fun as we can make it.
Big blokey (suitably socially distanced) hugs to you all
The BlokeFest Inner Circle
It should be noted however that if social-distancing rules are kept in force, we don’t think we’ll be able to run the event successfully. We’ve limited our financial exposure so that if this is the case, we can guarantee a full refund for tickets – including those of you who rolled over your tickets from last year.
The essential elements of BlokeFest will remain the same - learning and singing great songs, fantastic food, (some) silly games a cabaret and of course, good beer and good company – but we’re holding off firming up the detail for a while yet, so we ask for your patience during this time of uncertainty.
We would like you to book however. The most important thing for us to judge at the moment is how many blokes are likely to be there. This will help us structure the weekend to be as safe and as fun as we can make it.
Big blokey (suitably socially distanced) hugs to you all
The BlokeFest Inner Circle
In case you ready to register, already...
Click on the button below to get signed up for BlokeFest.
Click on the button below to get signed up for BlokeFest.
Else, read on a bit more...
BlokeFest....
Men.Singing.And Stuff
"The best all blokes singing weekend you could imagine"
(as you can see...from our BlokeFest 2016 video)
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About BlokeFest
Over one weekend in June we will be singing like blokes, acting like men and getting to be one of the guys. BlokeFest is a festival by good Blokes for good Blokes, who like singing or think they might if only they could do it in the right way. Our guiding philosophy is that singing is a truly manly activity as long as you sing the right stuff, in the right way, with the right men: Think Shanties not shandies Lumberjack not Timberlake DiY not R’n'B. The plan is simple: We meet at a suitable venue with campsite and the weekend unfolds... |
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What?
Friday Evening We organize a gathering of the Clans of Blokedom with fellas coming from the stronghold of Ashton Keynes in North, North Wiltshire, the dreaming spires of Oxford, the big Smoke of the London, Shanty Men from Ship-shape Bristol, hordes from the North and many other blokes from all points of the compass and beyond. Once gathered we will enjoy some sustenance then suitably nourished and invigorated we begin singing with the first Workshop to get us in the mood for the rest of the weekend. |
The "BlokeFest Big Top"
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Jolly Bar Games in the sunshine as Jenga gets exciting
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Then it is over to the bar for some singing, some bar games, maybe some liquid refreshment, some singing, gathering around the campsite for a natter and bed at a reasonable time - it is a busy day ahead! |
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Saturday
To save you catering you can subscribe to Breakfast Specials at the Blokefest Café or it is D.I.Y. to get yourself roused and nourished for the day ahead. There will be numerous singing workshops throughout the day and learning blokey songs from some well-known singing men. Keeping you going throughout the day we will break for a communal lunch time meal, then some more singing. There may also be some more "CyberSinging" sessions where blokes who have been learning pieces via the internet finally meet in person to consolidate the songs in person. A bit more of a sing then we will assemble again for another meal before we congregate for the remarkable moment when we are entertained by the gathered throng with the world famous "BlokeFest Cabaret". We end the evening with more liquid refreshment and a bit more singing. |
BlokeFest 2016 5th Birthday Party
Rainbow Blokes
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Sunday
To get you going there will be Breakfast Specials at the BlokeFest Café or D.I.Y. We have a Sunday Morning Singing Workshop to remember what we learned the day before and then we do some things to encourage healthy pursuits, such as the legendary "Tonsorial Titan Challenge" where we judge who is the fairest hairiest in all the land, and the testosterone engendering "Tug o' War" contest where blokes get suddenly everso politely competitive! We then plan to have our "Class of 2021" photo session with our official BlokeFest PhotographerMeister taking the one BIG BlokeFest photo of everyone resplendent in their BlokeFest T-Shirts. It is now traditional to wear your T-Shirt with pride that announces that you are part of this great bunch of blokes. And we are also seeing if we can organize the return of an Ice Cream Van, and maybe a little something more as well... Given the on-going situation it is very unlikely we will put on the Sunday Show - FREE Concert - But we will see! All plans are still, er, in plan, and subject to change but hopefully that gives you enough to be going on with for now. |
The Tug o' War gets exciting
The Class of BlokeFest 2018
Ice cream may happen again
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BlokeFest Tickets
Registration will open in good time but for now, here is what you got for your ticket money this year.
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Full Weekend Ticket - Big Bloke or Youth Bloke
Two night's camping* + Three catered Meals + Five Workshops Friday night Workshop activities + Friday evening meal + All the other workshops + Saturday Lunch AND Evening Meal + The Saturday Night entertainment including the BlokeFest Cabaret + The Sunday Workshops & events + Class of this year Photo + Final Parting songs |
Saturday Day Only Ticket - Big Bloke or Youth Bloke
All three Saturday workshop sessions + Saturday Lunch & Evening Meal + The evening entertainment |
In case you ready to register...
Click on the button below to get signed up for BlokeFest.
Click on the button below to get signed up for BlokeFest.
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Why?
BlokeFest is the deranged brainchild of The Magnificent AKs, (depicted in some of their manly glory to the right) - they're the Singing Blokes of Ashton Keynes of North, North Wiltshire in the border badlands with Mid South East Gloucestershire. They’ve been singing and performing their own brand of testosterone stoked tomfoolery since 2008 and wanted to share the adventure with other men so dreamed up BlokeFest. Visit their website at themagnificentaks.com to read about their many, many adventures and their 10th anniversary. |
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Who? The Organisers
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Blokes of the Best kind
Since the concept of BlokeFest popped into being we have been very lucky to have had a brilliant set of Blokes beavering away for months in the background to attend to every detail to make the weekend the highlight of the year for so many others.
Since the concept of BlokeFest popped into being we have been very lucky to have had a brilliant set of Blokes beavering away for months in the background to attend to every detail to make the weekend the highlight of the year for so many others.
Who? The Workshop Leaders
At BlokeFest we pride ourselves with being able to get some of the absolute top talent of the Choir Leaders and have helped many nurture their careers with our special "BlokeFest Experience" of harnessing our motley crew into beautiful harmony singing in a ridiculously short time.
2021 is no different, apart from the fact that we can't quite announce all of them just yet (for some very obvious reasons...!).
Further announcements will be revealed very soon(ish) to string out the excitement for you (and us!).
2021 is no different, apart from the fact that we can't quite announce all of them just yet (for some very obvious reasons...!).
Further announcements will be revealed very soon(ish) to string out the excitement for you (and us!).
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Chris Samuel
The legend that is... The embodiment of a top singing bloke if ever there was one. He leads five community choirs including The Magnificent AK47 and performs with the awesome Spooky Men's Chorale when they tour the UK and Europe. He is also one of the Artist Curators for the Nationally recognised Voices Now. He enjoys legendary status with all who know him for being a very generous performer and a gifted teacher - you should hear what he has managed to do with The Magnificent AK47, turning them from a bunch of pot bellied blokes from North North Wiltshire to being "the sound of testosterone" and a formidable sonic formation and a terrific show. |
Chris beaming with his surprise Cow Pie at BlokeFest 2016
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Chris curates the Workshop Leaders and will be taking our "Friday Night Welcome to BlokeFest" workshop.
He has been one of the blokes most instrumental in making BlokeFest happen from the very beginning and must have helped hundreds of blokes to #getmensinging and is looking forward to helping many more enjoy the highlight of the summer at this year's event.
Find out more from http://www.singingwithattitude.com/ and he currently gigs with an offshoot of those Aussie blokes in the UK version A Fistful of Spookies.
He has been one of the blokes most instrumental in making BlokeFest happen from the very beginning and must have helped hundreds of blokes to #getmensinging and is looking forward to helping many more enjoy the highlight of the summer at this year's event.
Find out more from http://www.singingwithattitude.com/ and he currently gigs with an offshoot of those Aussie blokes in the UK version A Fistful of Spookies.
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Philip Read
Utter Top Bloke Philip really needs no introduction to anyone who has been floating around the #alt.mvc world for the last decade and we are delighted to have him back to lead the Friday night Welcome session with his fantastic sense of humour and deep sense of song. |
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Legend has it Philip was spotted for looking "particularly spooky" at a Spooky Men's Chorale gig in his native Oxford back in the 00s and whisked away to join the rest of them in that blokey circus, and hasn't been home since...! Some of that last sentence may hot be entirely true, but what is undisputable fact is that he is a brilliant chorale group leader with a huge list of wonderful endeavours, from setting up Oxford's magnificent Manchoir, various other local choir groups, the architecturally inspiring Singing Saturdays held in some spectacular Oxford locations, the utterly fab men's singing weekend Singing in the Shed, his new group the highly accomplished group The Rivers, oh and we nearly forgot that he is one of the UK-based members of the utterly inspiring Spooky Men's Chorale and the UK offshoot A Fistful of Spookies. Quite a pedigree!
Whatever he brings along we are sure to be in for a treat - see him in action on our BlokeFest 2016 video.
Whatever he brings along we are sure to be in for a treat - see him in action on our BlokeFest 2016 video.
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Bruce Knight
Performer / Arranger / Choir Leader / Bloke Bruce hails from leafy Warwickshire were he has been working as a community choir leader for two decades.
He regularly leads the basses at the massive Stratford Community Choirs festival, and is a regular teacher at the wonderful Unicorn Village Voice Camp, where he also leads circle dance to a an amazing band. He runs singing workshops around the UK and abroad, and has arranged lots of great songs for acappella. He is passionate about getting folk singing together, and has a soft-spot for the great doo-wop tunes of the late 50s. Doo-wop it with Bruce on Saturday afternoon! More about Bruce at https://naturalvoice.net/practitioner/bruceknight |
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Where is it?
By popular request (by some...), this year we are returning again to darkest mid Wiltshire camping at, and drinking in The Coopers Arms near Pewsey in the heart of Wiltshire.
We will be making better use of the bar space to give more room for the singing in the pub in a Covid-aware way - but what fabulous sessions.
The venue for BlokeFest can be found at
The Coopers Arms
37-39 Ball Rd
Pewsey
SN9 5BL
Phone: +44 (0)1672562495
Email: thecoopersarmspewsey@outlook.com
Web: https://www.facebook.com/The-Coopers-Arms-Pewsey-2210505409212212/
QUOTE UNQUOTE
“BlokeFest has always been surprisingly good fun but BlokeFest 2016 surpassed all others. It was just brilliant from start to finish. Some great pub singing, amazing workshops, quite stupendous range of talent in the Cabaret and most of all a wonderful relaxed and friendly atmosphere. And to top it all the Concert Party was just such a wonderful example of simple, heartfelt fun - can't wait till the next one, I'm smiling already thinking about it."
A very satisfied BlokeFest 2016 attendee. One of very many!
QUOTE UNQUOTE
"Speak with a man, and he becomes your friend. Sing with a man and he becomes your brother. And we have brothers all over the country."
A rather emotional and very happy BlokeFest 2016 organiser!
(With thanks to Sara Mohr-Pietsch of Radio 3 fame for the original quote)
“BlokeFest has always been surprisingly good fun but BlokeFest 2016 surpassed all others. It was just brilliant from start to finish. Some great pub singing, amazing workshops, quite stupendous range of talent in the Cabaret and most of all a wonderful relaxed and friendly atmosphere. And to top it all the Concert Party was just such a wonderful example of simple, heartfelt fun - can't wait till the next one, I'm smiling already thinking about it."
A very satisfied BlokeFest 2016 attendee. One of very many!
QUOTE UNQUOTE
"Speak with a man, and he becomes your friend. Sing with a man and he becomes your brother. And we have brothers all over the country."
A rather emotional and very happy BlokeFest 2016 organiser!
(With thanks to Sara Mohr-Pietsch of Radio 3 fame for the original quote)
Just in case you still want to know more...
You can find most of the "Frequently Asked Questions" and "Occasionally Asked Awkward Questions" by clicking here.
You can find most of the "Frequently Asked Questions" and "Occasionally Asked Awkward Questions" by clicking here.
But in case you ready to register...
Click on the button below to get signed up for BlokeFest.
Click on the button below to get signed up for BlokeFest.
