Back after our biggest year yet
We are delighted to announce...
a decade and half of BlokeFest !!
Friday 19th to Sunday 21st June 2026
and thought we better mention it before you all get booked up...
a decade and half of BlokeFest !!
Friday 19th to Sunday 21st June 2026
and thought we better mention it before you all get booked up...
Is this YOU?
Want to start singing?
Not in a choir?
In a Community Choir but fancy something a bit different?
Want a weekend that is a bit out of the ordinary?
Looking to join in a ready-made brotherhood of song?
Or been part of our family for years?
We have THE event for YOU!
A bit about BlokeFest 2026 plans
We are looking forward to running yet another brilliant weekend of bonhommie and top class BlokeSong in 2026.
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 ales and GREAT company.
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 ales and GREAT company.
About 2026's location
We are planning to return to The Cooper’s Arms in Pewsey - more below, as the feedback was that attendees enjoyed the venue in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and it did us proud in 2025.
It's a friendly, thatched pub a short walk from the Pewsey 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.
Big blokey hugs to you all
The BlokeFest Inner Circle
We are planning to return to The Cooper’s Arms in Pewsey - more below, as the feedback was that attendees enjoyed the venue in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and it did us proud in 2025.
It's a friendly, thatched pub a short walk from the Pewsey 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.
Big blokey hugs to you all
The BlokeFest Inner Circle
In case you are ready to register, already...
BlokeFest....
Men.Singing.And Stuff
How do you explain an event like 'BlokeFest'?
With difficulty! There's so much to it...
Our beautiful festival has been described by one of our many, many satisfied participants as
"The best all blokes singing weekend you could imagine"
Praise indeed.
To understand more what we have built in over a decade of running the event, read more below, or watch our video or visit our FAQs & OAAQs page
With difficulty! There's so much to it...
Our beautiful festival has been described by one of our many, many satisfied participants as
"The best all blokes singing weekend you could imagine"
Praise indeed.
To understand more what we have built in over a decade of running the event, read more below, or watch our video or visit our FAQs & OAAQs page
(our BlokeFest video enacptulates the spirit of the event in under four minutes)
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About BlokeFest
Over the 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. We also look to welcome those who are not affiliated with any existing choirs and even run a special session for any newcomers to help them get orientated and feel truly part of the event. |
The "BlokeFest Big Top"
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Jolly Bar Games in the sunshine as Jenga gets exciting
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Once gathered we will enjoy some sustenance, first of the included meals, then suitably nourished and invigorated we begin singing with the first Workshop to get us in the mood for the rest of the weekend.
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 workshop leaders (more in a bit) We then plan to have our "Class of 2026" 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. At some point we may well try to encourage healthy pursuits, such as the legendary "Tonsorial Titan Challenge" where we judge who is the fairest of the hairiest in all the land. Keeping you going throughout the day we will break for a communal lunch time meal, then some more singing workshops. 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 in the pub. |
Rainbow Blokes
Making the most of the cooling fan BlokeFest 2025
BlokeFest 2016 5th Birthday Party
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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, possibly a bit of a "Show and Tell" to serenade any of those assembled or maybe just for our own amusement, a "Parting Ceremony" then Picnic Traveller's Lunch will be available, and then possibly a gentle walk in the afternoon (weather and energy permitting). All plans are still, er, in plan, and subject to change but hopefully that gives you enough to be going on with for now. |
Family photo of the Spooner Boys BlokeFest 2025
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Giant Jenga put to good use!
BlokeFest Tickets
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* + Four catered Meals + Five Workshop sessions Hours of fun! 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 + "Traveller's Lunch" Class of this year Photo + Final Parting songs |
NEW for 2026! Young Bloke Ticket
All of the value of the Full Weekend Ticket but for a "not quite ready for full adult price" for 19 to 30 year olds as we recognise the challenges of modern life for the Younger Bloke Also NEW for 2026! Self-Catered Weekend All of the value of the Full Weekend Ticket but without the catered food as we recognise that some blokes might prefer to opt to self-cater. Saturday Day Only Ticket - Big Bloke or Youth Bloke
All Saturday workshop sessions + Saturday Lunch & Evening Meal + The evening entertainment |
Ticket Prices tweaked for 2026 Prices
Behind the scenes, the BlokeFest Inner Circle, the event organisers, have once again done some very hard sums and looking into crystal balls anticipating many things that have an impact on numbers attending and how we apportion the cost of putting on the event.
We are very conscious that there are lots of pressures on the cost of living, and we are facing many of those pressures too.
We have managed to keep our ticket prices paired to the bone to cover the not inconsiderable costs of putting on an event like BlokeFest, but like many other festivals we are going to have to tweak our pricing for registration this year, which has caused us to do some even harder sums than usual, but still be believe (and can mathematically prove it because we've done the sums!) that in our humble opinion, BlokeFest remains stunning value as ever.
Behind the scenes, the BlokeFest Inner Circle, the event organisers, have once again done some very hard sums and looking into crystal balls anticipating many things that have an impact on numbers attending and how we apportion the cost of putting on the event.
We are very conscious that there are lots of pressures on the cost of living, and we are facing many of those pressures too.
We have managed to keep our ticket prices paired to the bone to cover the not inconsiderable costs of putting on an event like BlokeFest, but like many other festivals we are going to have to tweak our pricing for registration this year, which has caused us to do some even harder sums than usual, but still be believe (and can mathematically prove it because we've done the sums!) that in our humble opinion, BlokeFest remains stunning value as ever.
In case you ready to register...
Click the button below to book your fun weekend
Click the button below to book your fun weekend
Why?
BlokeFest is the inspired brainchild of The Magnificent AKs, (depicted in some of their manly glory below) - 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 decade and half & then some.
BlokeFest is the inspired brainchild of The Magnificent AKs, (depicted in some of their manly glory below) - 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 decade and half & then some.
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.
If you spot them without a drink in their hand, do the right thing and offer to buy them a pint for all the hours of hard graft they put in making the whole event happen!
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.
If you spot them without a drink in their hand, do the right thing and offer to buy them a pint for all the hours of hard graft they put in making the whole event happen!
Who? The Workshop Leaders
At BlokeFest we pride ourselves with being able to get some of the absolute top talent of Choir Leaders and along the way 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.
Masters of Ceremonies
While we are celebrating a decade and a half of BlokeFest, our regular MC Chris Samuel, stalwart of the Spooky Men's Chorale, A Fistful of Spookies and ChoirMeister and inspiration behind and beyond the pioneers of BlokeSong that are The Magnificent AKs, will be celebrating his 40th year of marriage.
Congratulations to him from all of us, and he will be A.W.O.L. (Absent With Our Love) this year.
Congratulations to him from all of us, and he will be A.W.O.L. (Absent With Our Love) this year.
Masters of Ceremonies,
Safe Hands and Strong Harmonies
Helping fill Chris' Cow-pie sized hole as Master of Ceremonies will be top blokes who have been instrumental in the event for many years.
Stepping from the ranks of the choir to take a more prominent role out front will be our much loved mates, Darren Sweeney (2nd Left) and Peter Holland (right). Both are highly respected choir leaders in their own right, and members of the excellent "Feast of Fools", seen here in action with another BlokeFest stalwart, Phil Spooner (2nd right)
Stepping from the ranks of the choir to take a more prominent role out front will be our much loved mates, Darren Sweeney (2nd Left) and Peter Holland (right). Both are highly respected choir leaders in their own right, and members of the excellent "Feast of Fools", seen here in action with another BlokeFest stalwart, Phil Spooner (2nd right)
Neil #3 + Darren + Phil + Pete singing at the Underfall Yard, Bristol
These guys will be holding the space for the workshops and general announcements along with Neil #1 (Burston), the Wizard of Oz behind The Infallible BlokeFest Admin Machine, and the others who make the event possible.
and introducing our wonderful workshop leaders...
Mike+Vern+Gary=GC3
Triple Value / Arrangers / Choir Leaders / Top Blokes
They came to BlokeFest 2025 somewhat nervous about the prospect of teaching 150 men some songs, and they left as legends, standing tall amongst the pantheon of epic blokes who have graced our bijou, and rather wonderful men's singing weekend festival.
Mike, Vern and Gary, seen here relaxing at BlokeFest 2025 in a fine arrary of lurid shirts, came to us from darkest Devon and have been singing together with the wonderful Glorious Chorus with Helen Yeomans and form a unique, close harmony acapella trio.
They were not quite sure what awaited them for their first BlokeFest experience, but they were totally blown away by the relaxed atmosphere, bonhommie vibe and the power of the pub singing, which they played a major part in keeping going till the wee hours with a cheeky lock-in.
They brought us a cracker of a workshop song, Show of Hands' "Cousin Jack", a tail of uprooted folk fleeing their Cornish roots and settling all over the world, which resonated with many of our attendees and has become a firm favourite with The Magnificent AKs incorporating it into their set as quick as they could.
We are absolutely thrilled to be able to welcome them back for another year when they will be showcasing their own three-part arrangements and teaching us some songs from their repertoire.
If you would like to see them in action on the Sunday Recap, have a quick look at this video.
Mike, Vern and Gary, seen here relaxing at BlokeFest 2025 in a fine arrary of lurid shirts, came to us from darkest Devon and have been singing together with the wonderful Glorious Chorus with Helen Yeomans and form a unique, close harmony acapella trio.
They were not quite sure what awaited them for their first BlokeFest experience, but they were totally blown away by the relaxed atmosphere, bonhommie vibe and the power of the pub singing, which they played a major part in keeping going till the wee hours with a cheeky lock-in.
They brought us a cracker of a workshop song, Show of Hands' "Cousin Jack", a tail of uprooted folk fleeing their Cornish roots and settling all over the world, which resonated with many of our attendees and has become a firm favourite with The Magnificent AKs incorporating it into their set as quick as they could.
We are absolutely thrilled to be able to welcome them back for another year when they will be showcasing their own three-part arrangements and teaching us some songs from their repertoire.
If you would like to see them in action on the Sunday Recap, have a quick look at this video.
Joe, John & Albert
The Return of "The Young Blokes"
In action at BlokeFest 2025 Cabaret
One of the many joyful aspects of BlokeFest over the years has been the blending of the generations and extending the Brotherhood of Song to actual brothers. We have several pairs and even triplets of family members and we are delighted to welcome back part of the BlokeFest Family of a bunch of young lads, who have become affectionately, if somewhat uninspiredly, known as "The Young Blokes".
Individually they are known as Joe Sartin, John Cooper Wilde and Albert Hansell and together they have been friends for many years, growing up on the Folk Circuit.
Despite being another year older, and hopefully wiser, they have enthusiatically responded to our invitation to return this year to step forward from the choir and the cabaret to run one of the workshops - we are excited for what they might bring to the event.
Individually they are known as Joe Sartin, John Cooper Wilde and Albert Hansell and together they have been friends for many years, growing up on the Folk Circuit.
Despite being another year older, and hopefully wiser, they have enthusiatically responded to our invitation to return this year to step forward from the choir and the cabaret to run one of the workshops - we are excited for what they might bring to the event.
Richard Swan
Inspiring Choir Leader / Author of Singing Book
Richard Swan is an inspirational choir director and music educator who specialises in giving high quality musical participatory experiences to all, particularly those with little or no musical training.
He runs one of the biggest non-audition choirs in the UK, London City Voices (over 600 members), and has worked with Annie Lennox, Damien Rice, Dónal Lunny, Fyfe Dangerfield and others.
He is a passionate believer in how singing can bring all sorts of people together and has been a pioneer of online rehearsing as well as having read a (really excellent, we can highly recommend it) book entitled 'Think you can't sing? Think again!: How to find the voice you never thought you'd have' available from numerous vendors.
Expect fun, dynamic and inclusive teaching with a fair bit of humour, and to leave the sessions knowing more than you did when you entered.
He runs one of the biggest non-audition choirs in the UK, London City Voices (over 600 members), and has worked with Annie Lennox, Damien Rice, Dónal Lunny, Fyfe Dangerfield and others.
He is a passionate believer in how singing can bring all sorts of people together and has been a pioneer of online rehearsing as well as having read a (really excellent, we can highly recommend it) book entitled 'Think you can't sing? Think again!: How to find the voice you never thought you'd have' available from numerous vendors.
Expect fun, dynamic and inclusive teaching with a fair bit of humour, and to leave the sessions knowing more than you did when you entered.
Daniel Pate
Choir Leader / Passionate about the power of singing
What's a good way to find to anything in these days of deep fake everythings? Personal recommendation from a trusted source. And this is how we have come across Daniel, as tipped off by one of our long term attendees, who should know a thing or two about what makes a good BlokeFest Workshop leader
Dan conducts a number of choirs in Bristol and the surrounding area and is passionate about the power of singing to bring people together. He and firmly believes that everyone can benefit from the joy of communal singing. He also writes vocal arrangements and teaches.
Singing in a choir is a joyful experience that we can all be a part of - great for physical and mental wellbeing as well as a fantastic way to connect with others. Dan believes choir rehearsals should be fun, accessible and rewarding - there’s nothing quite like the experience of singing fantastic harmonies in a group! Dan started singing as an adult and firmly believes that it's something everyone can benefit from - there is no such thing as "can't sing"!
Dan conducts a number of choirs in Bristol and the surrounding area and is passionate about the power of singing to bring people together. He and firmly believes that everyone can benefit from the joy of communal singing. He also writes vocal arrangements and teaches.
Singing in a choir is a joyful experience that we can all be a part of - great for physical and mental wellbeing as well as a fantastic way to connect with others. Dan believes choir rehearsals should be fun, accessible and rewarding - there’s nothing quite like the experience of singing fantastic harmonies in a group! Dan started singing as an adult and firmly believes that it's something everyone can benefit from - there is no such thing as "can't sing"!
Where is it?
By popular request, 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: [email protected]
Web: https://www.facebook.com/The-Coopers-Arms-Pewsey-2210505409212212/
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: [email protected]
Web: https://www.facebook.com/The-Coopers-Arms-Pewsey-2210505409212212/
QUOTE UNQUOTE #1
"Even having been to so many previous events and knowing what to expect, BlokeFest 2025 surpassed all my expectations. The bonhommie and friendliess was exceptional, the workshops were great and the pub siging was off the scale brilliant. So looking forward to 2026."
QUOTE UNQUOTE #2
“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 #3
"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)
"Even having been to so many previous events and knowing what to expect, BlokeFest 2025 surpassed all my expectations. The bonhommie and friendliess was exceptional, the workshops were great and the pub siging was off the scale brilliant. So looking forward to 2026."
QUOTE UNQUOTE #2
“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 #3
"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".
You can find most of the "Frequently Asked Questions" and "Occasionally Asked Awkward Questions".
But in case you're ready to register...
Click the button to join us
Click the button to join us
