Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't know about BlokeFest already and are thinking about coming, then you are bound to have some questions, so here are some answers, as best we can provide them.
Just what is BlokeFest?
BlokeFest is all about blokes getting together to sing songs in manly tones and getting away from the cares of the normal day to day existence. Most of us who went in 2012 didn't know each other but it is a great way to make new acquaintances and friends and learn new songs and have a really great time in very relaxing circumstances.
Do I have to be a good singer?
No, not really. Most of the blokes who come along are enthusiastic rather than experts. As long as you can pick up a tune, remember some words and then put them both together you will be ok.
Do I need to be able to read music?
No ... all the pieces are taught by ear but we put together a songbook with the words.
Do I need to be in a choir?
No ...
Do I need to come in a group?
No ... many people do know each other, but by no means everyone. We have quite a few stray blokes coming along and they soon made friends. Everyone is very sociable and friendly.
What if I'm not really a big drinker?
No problem. Most of us will probably drink a little more than we normally would (or should!) on a weekend, but it's just to let our hair down a bit. Drinking is not compulsory by any means and we would encourage savouring the quality of the ales and other drinks available rather than just the quantity.
Can I bring my dog(s)?
No ... We've asked around and for various reasons it would be best if you could NOT bring dogs so please make other arrangements.
Can I bring my kids?
Sort of, Yes, Young Blokes are positively encouraged to come and have a weekend away with their male family members that is a bit different. Just bear in mind that it might not be overly suitable for younger blokes, we would anticipate they would need to be 11 and upwards to cope but who knows, they might enjoy it. We don't have any hard and fast rules other than common sense that says if they come along and don't enjoy it and start spoiling it for the rest of the blokes you might need to make a tactical retreat before anyone gets too upset (your kids or anyone else!).
Don't the kids find it embarrassing seeing their Dads sing?
Well, we can't speak for all of them, but there were quite a few young lads who have come along with their dads and they didn't seem to mind! Don't worry, there is no "Dad Dancing"! (usually).
So what is the format?
Great so far, but how on earth do you get to Pewsey?
Very easily! Pewsey is not the rural backwater you might think it is (although it is in lovely countryside), has really good road and train connections, and Easton Royale is just up the road.
It also has a mainline train station with frequent trains to and from the London and many other places.
Just a reminder the location is
The Bruce Arms
Easton Road
Easton Royal
Pewsey
Wiltshire
SN9 5LR
Just what is BlokeFest?
BlokeFest is all about blokes getting together to sing songs in manly tones and getting away from the cares of the normal day to day existence. Most of us who went in 2012 didn't know each other but it is a great way to make new acquaintances and friends and learn new songs and have a really great time in very relaxing circumstances.
Do I have to be a good singer?
No, not really. Most of the blokes who come along are enthusiastic rather than experts. As long as you can pick up a tune, remember some words and then put them both together you will be ok.
Do I need to be able to read music?
No ... all the pieces are taught by ear but we put together a songbook with the words.
Do I need to be in a choir?
No ...
Do I need to come in a group?
No ... many people do know each other, but by no means everyone. We have quite a few stray blokes coming along and they soon made friends. Everyone is very sociable and friendly.
What if I'm not really a big drinker?
No problem. Most of us will probably drink a little more than we normally would (or should!) on a weekend, but it's just to let our hair down a bit. Drinking is not compulsory by any means and we would encourage savouring the quality of the ales and other drinks available rather than just the quantity.
Can I bring my dog(s)?
No ... We've asked around and for various reasons it would be best if you could NOT bring dogs so please make other arrangements.
Can I bring my kids?
Sort of, Yes, Young Blokes are positively encouraged to come and have a weekend away with their male family members that is a bit different. Just bear in mind that it might not be overly suitable for younger blokes, we would anticipate they would need to be 11 and upwards to cope but who knows, they might enjoy it. We don't have any hard and fast rules other than common sense that says if they come along and don't enjoy it and start spoiling it for the rest of the blokes you might need to make a tactical retreat before anyone gets too upset (your kids or anyone else!).
Don't the kids find it embarrassing seeing their Dads sing?
Well, we can't speak for all of them, but there were quite a few young lads who have come along with their dads and they didn't seem to mind! Don't worry, there is no "Dad Dancing"! (usually).
So what is the format?
- Friday evening meet at a location somewhere to be confirmed in the Wiltshire / Gloucestershire / Oxfordshire area for good food, ale and singing and camping overnight.
- Saturday we have a number of workshops, lunch, more workshops, a communal meal or two then "Open Mic Cabaret" which quite frankly was stunningly good last year.
- Sunday we will have some more singing, do some daft stuff, have something to eat, some more singing then wend our ways home full of happy memories.
Great so far, but how on earth do you get to Pewsey?
Very easily! Pewsey is not the rural backwater you might think it is (although it is in lovely countryside), has really good road and train connections, and Easton Royale is just up the road.
It also has a mainline train station with frequent trains to and from the London and many other places.
Just a reminder the location is
The Bruce Arms
Easton Road
Easton Royal
Pewsey
Wiltshire
SN9 5LR
Occasionally Asked Awkward Questions
On a number of occasions when describing BlokeFest to people they have clearly been thinking of these kind of awkward questions, and once or twice they have actually asked them out loud! So, in a spirit of being a real Bloke and tackling awkwardness head on, we shall attempt to ask them and respond in a frank but fair manner.
Is it just Blokes? Isn't that a bit "sexist"?
Well, yes, it is just Blokes, hence the name "BlokeFest"! That does mean only men and boys. But it's not meant in a sexist way, but just to give us Blokes and Young Blokes a chance to hang out and explore singing together and other things Blokes like to do once a year before we return to our daily, humdrum existences being Dad, or a brother or an uncle or a son or Granddad.
What sort of Blokes go to BlokeFest?
In a word, "any".
Blokefest is for all types of bloke, big blokes, small blokes, hairy blokes, bald blokes, straight blokes, curvy blokes, vegetarian blokes, omnivorous blokes, gluten-free blokes, married blokes, single blokes, undecided blokes, in fact, any bloke, so long as you're a decent bloke who likes singing with other blokes, or likes the idea of singing but hasn't yet.
Basically this is an event for "normal" Blokes, whatever that means, who like singing, possibly having a drink, a decent meal or two, lots of chatting and doing other stuff like that, with no overtones or undertones - come as you are, accept us for what we are. Let's face it, we even have some Swindon Town and Oxford United fans intermingling and they find out they are not so bad after all and get on well!
Do you HAVE to camp at BlokeFest?
No you don't, some people just come for the Saturday, and one or two who live locally go home overnight. We appreciate that not everyone likes camping or has the kit, but if you can pitch up and pitch your tent that's great, it's all part of the experience - but it is not obligatory by any means and you can always find some local accommodation and pop back there and return to the site when you want - no pressure either way. One or two blokes stayed in a camper van last year but we don't hold that against them!
In fact, let's make this easier, here is a link to a list of local places http://www.pewsey-uk.co.uk/pewsey-accommodation.html - just tell them we sent you.
Can I bring my caravan or camper van?
Yes, but... Space is limited on the camp site area so if you bring a camper van and get there early enough you may be able to position it on the edge of the main camping area. If you arrive too late and all slots are taken or are bringing a caravan you will definitely be asked to park it over in the car park on the other side of the road from the pub. It's not exactly far but we just don't have space to accommodate such vehicles and comfortably fit in all the camping.
If I don't camp, can I get a reduced price ticket for the weekend?
In a word, "No". Sorry but we have to draw the line somewhere. Running even just a small festival like this involves a lot of work and spreadsheets for a very dedicated and small team. It just makes it simpler for us. If it helps, consider that we give the camping away for free and all the value is in the workshops and food. ;-)
Isn't the Sunday on Father's Day?
Not in 2016, we moved the date to avoid it this year.
What is your policy re Blokes being in possession of illegal substances whilst at BlokeFest?
As anyone who knows anything about BlokeFest will already know, despite the rough, manly exterior we attempt to don for a weekend, most of the blokes are a pretty clean living lot and decent law abiding citizens. Blokefest should be considered by all as "an illegal substance free zone ". If anyone is known to be in possession of illegal substances the organizers are obliged to inform the Police Service who will follow up accordingly. The clear advice is: Don't bring illegal substances to BlokeFest.
What is the Refund Policy?
BlokeFest is run entirely on a volunteer basis and is financially a very tight ship, ie we aim to give maximum value to attendees for minimum cost. As a result of this policy, BlokeFest is run on very small margins which mean that once you have paid up and registered we cannot offer a refund if you can no longer attend unless you can arrange a direct replacement attendee, in which case we will transfer your ticket fee directly to them, less any administrative fee (£5) and transaction costs.
In the case that BlokeFest has to be cancelled we will comply with the legal obligations to offer a full refund (less an administrative fee, in this case of £5) or transfer your ticket to a re-arranged event.
We hope understand this policy in the spirit that it is intended and very much hope you and we do not need to invoke it.
Is it just Blokes? Isn't that a bit "sexist"?
Well, yes, it is just Blokes, hence the name "BlokeFest"! That does mean only men and boys. But it's not meant in a sexist way, but just to give us Blokes and Young Blokes a chance to hang out and explore singing together and other things Blokes like to do once a year before we return to our daily, humdrum existences being Dad, or a brother or an uncle or a son or Granddad.
What sort of Blokes go to BlokeFest?
In a word, "any".
Blokefest is for all types of bloke, big blokes, small blokes, hairy blokes, bald blokes, straight blokes, curvy blokes, vegetarian blokes, omnivorous blokes, gluten-free blokes, married blokes, single blokes, undecided blokes, in fact, any bloke, so long as you're a decent bloke who likes singing with other blokes, or likes the idea of singing but hasn't yet.
Basically this is an event for "normal" Blokes, whatever that means, who like singing, possibly having a drink, a decent meal or two, lots of chatting and doing other stuff like that, with no overtones or undertones - come as you are, accept us for what we are. Let's face it, we even have some Swindon Town and Oxford United fans intermingling and they find out they are not so bad after all and get on well!
Do you HAVE to camp at BlokeFest?
No you don't, some people just come for the Saturday, and one or two who live locally go home overnight. We appreciate that not everyone likes camping or has the kit, but if you can pitch up and pitch your tent that's great, it's all part of the experience - but it is not obligatory by any means and you can always find some local accommodation and pop back there and return to the site when you want - no pressure either way. One or two blokes stayed in a camper van last year but we don't hold that against them!
In fact, let's make this easier, here is a link to a list of local places http://www.pewsey-uk.co.uk/pewsey-accommodation.html - just tell them we sent you.
Can I bring my caravan or camper van?
Yes, but... Space is limited on the camp site area so if you bring a camper van and get there early enough you may be able to position it on the edge of the main camping area. If you arrive too late and all slots are taken or are bringing a caravan you will definitely be asked to park it over in the car park on the other side of the road from the pub. It's not exactly far but we just don't have space to accommodate such vehicles and comfortably fit in all the camping.
If I don't camp, can I get a reduced price ticket for the weekend?
In a word, "No". Sorry but we have to draw the line somewhere. Running even just a small festival like this involves a lot of work and spreadsheets for a very dedicated and small team. It just makes it simpler for us. If it helps, consider that we give the camping away for free and all the value is in the workshops and food. ;-)
Isn't the Sunday on Father's Day?
Not in 2016, we moved the date to avoid it this year.
What is your policy re Blokes being in possession of illegal substances whilst at BlokeFest?
As anyone who knows anything about BlokeFest will already know, despite the rough, manly exterior we attempt to don for a weekend, most of the blokes are a pretty clean living lot and decent law abiding citizens. Blokefest should be considered by all as "an illegal substance free zone ". If anyone is known to be in possession of illegal substances the organizers are obliged to inform the Police Service who will follow up accordingly. The clear advice is: Don't bring illegal substances to BlokeFest.
What is the Refund Policy?
BlokeFest is run entirely on a volunteer basis and is financially a very tight ship, ie we aim to give maximum value to attendees for minimum cost. As a result of this policy, BlokeFest is run on very small margins which mean that once you have paid up and registered we cannot offer a refund if you can no longer attend unless you can arrange a direct replacement attendee, in which case we will transfer your ticket fee directly to them, less any administrative fee (£5) and transaction costs.
In the case that BlokeFest has to be cancelled we will comply with the legal obligations to offer a full refund (less an administrative fee, in this case of £5) or transfer your ticket to a re-arranged event.
We hope understand this policy in the spirit that it is intended and very much hope you and we do not need to invoke it.
We look forward to seeing you at the event.
If you do have any more questions that are NOT answered here, contact us via [email protected].
If you do have any more questions that are NOT answered here, contact us via [email protected].
