Frequently Asked Questions 2025
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.
More FAQs for your reference
Just what is BlokeFest?
BlokeFest is a festival by Blokes for Blokes who like singing or think they might if only they could do it in the right way.
BlokeFest is mainly 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 go don'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.
How do you describe BlokeFest?
With some difficulty!! Basically, it's a weekend of singing and cameraderie for Blokes of whatever age, size, as long as they are good Blokes who might like
Male harmony singing
Community men's singing
Male voice community singing
Male voice workshop
Men’s singing weekend
Men's singing festival
Men's Mental Health
A singing holiday
A weekend singing workshop for male voices
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 ... but no problem if you are!
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. That's one of the really special aspects of this festival.
What if I don't know anyone else, can I come by myself?
Definitely, YES!
We know it can be tough and we will be making even more effort to encourage new blokes and solo blokes or small groups of blokes to come along and meet others and feel right at home with us all.
Can I find out more about some of the songs you sing?
YES!
Have a look at our YouTube Channel which has some great Playlists, such as the BlokeFest MAN-ual Playlist and our Virtual BlokeFest 2020 Cabaret, these should give you a good start, and there is our 2023 MAN-ual and even a Spotify Playlist that covers much of our material.
Is it just performers?
No, not just performers but most blokes thoroughly enjoy performing, even if only within a small group in a workshop session or at other points over the weekend but whilst everyone is encourage to participate as much as they like it is by no means compulsory (and we try to "channel" those who want to perform just a little too much....!).
How "big" is the festival?
It's pretty intimate, we have grown from around 60 in our first year to approaching 150 at some years but we are average around 110 so quite bijoux really so everyone can get to know other people without feeling swamped and you can also keep yourself to yourself if you want - basically it's all very relaxed and friendly and supportive.
Is BlokeFest just about singing?
Not entirely although it is the main focus and the raison d'être of the weekend. It basically started off as an idea to get a bunch of blokes from different choirs that were evolving in the forefront of BlokeSong - you can find more on the More Stuff page.
We do hold the event close to a pub because most of the blokes attending enjoy the atmosphere of said hostelries although we abide by the premise that most of us are "moderate drinkers with a singing problem" (rather than the other way round!).
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).
What is the format?
More info on the Schedule Page.
Why has the event moved back to Wiltshire?
"Traditionally" the event has been based in the Gloucestershire / Wiltshire area because most of the original attendees were from that area or nearby, but over the years we have had blokes turn up from some staggering distances, drawn down from the likes of Aberdeen and Northumbria by the promise of a great weekend singing with other blokes.
In 2017 we tried an experiment and "moved away" to a gloriously sunny Anglesey, which we think went pretty well on the whole, but returned to The Bruce Inn near Pewsey in 2018 as it has served us well in the past and we think it is a great place for our event. And still we had blokes coming down from miles away, and some of them offered to host an event in their local patch and combined with a few other things that fell into place means that the idea of "BlokeFest Up North" came into being with the event being located in Ilkley, West Yorkshire in June 2019.
What do I need to bring
See our handy BlokeFest Kit list.
What is "CyberSinging"?
It sounds very high tech and futuristic, but it's not really, but it is great fun - see the CyberSinging section.
Can I charge my Electric Vehicle at the site?
Unfortunately the site does not have capacity for charging (it caused us problems last year...) so please see https://www.zap-map.com/locations/pewsey-charging-points/ or however you find you get recharged - sorry about that - we do support your initiative but there just isn't the current infrastructure in the site.
More FAQs for your reference
Just what is BlokeFest?
BlokeFest is a festival by Blokes for Blokes who like singing or think they might if only they could do it in the right way.
BlokeFest is mainly 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 go don'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.
How do you describe BlokeFest?
With some difficulty!! Basically, it's a weekend of singing and cameraderie for Blokes of whatever age, size, as long as they are good Blokes who might like
Male harmony singing
Community men's singing
Male voice community singing
Male voice workshop
Men’s singing weekend
Men's singing festival
Men's Mental Health
A singing holiday
A weekend singing workshop for male voices
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 ... but no problem if you are!
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. That's one of the really special aspects of this festival.
What if I don't know anyone else, can I come by myself?
Definitely, YES!
We know it can be tough and we will be making even more effort to encourage new blokes and solo blokes or small groups of blokes to come along and meet others and feel right at home with us all.
Can I find out more about some of the songs you sing?
YES!
Have a look at our YouTube Channel which has some great Playlists, such as the BlokeFest MAN-ual Playlist and our Virtual BlokeFest 2020 Cabaret, these should give you a good start, and there is our 2023 MAN-ual and even a Spotify Playlist that covers much of our material.
Is it just performers?
No, not just performers but most blokes thoroughly enjoy performing, even if only within a small group in a workshop session or at other points over the weekend but whilst everyone is encourage to participate as much as they like it is by no means compulsory (and we try to "channel" those who want to perform just a little too much....!).
How "big" is the festival?
It's pretty intimate, we have grown from around 60 in our first year to approaching 150 at some years but we are average around 110 so quite bijoux really so everyone can get to know other people without feeling swamped and you can also keep yourself to yourself if you want - basically it's all very relaxed and friendly and supportive.
Is BlokeFest just about singing?
Not entirely although it is the main focus and the raison d'être of the weekend. It basically started off as an idea to get a bunch of blokes from different choirs that were evolving in the forefront of BlokeSong - you can find more on the More Stuff page.
We do hold the event close to a pub because most of the blokes attending enjoy the atmosphere of said hostelries although we abide by the premise that most of us are "moderate drinkers with a singing problem" (rather than the other way round!).
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).
What is the format?
- Friday evening meet at a location 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.
More info on the Schedule Page.
Why has the event moved back to Wiltshire?
"Traditionally" the event has been based in the Gloucestershire / Wiltshire area because most of the original attendees were from that area or nearby, but over the years we have had blokes turn up from some staggering distances, drawn down from the likes of Aberdeen and Northumbria by the promise of a great weekend singing with other blokes.
In 2017 we tried an experiment and "moved away" to a gloriously sunny Anglesey, which we think went pretty well on the whole, but returned to The Bruce Inn near Pewsey in 2018 as it has served us well in the past and we think it is a great place for our event. And still we had blokes coming down from miles away, and some of them offered to host an event in their local patch and combined with a few other things that fell into place means that the idea of "BlokeFest Up North" came into being with the event being located in Ilkley, West Yorkshire in June 2019.
What do I need to bring
See our handy BlokeFest Kit list.
What is "CyberSinging"?
It sounds very high tech and futuristic, but it's not really, but it is great fun - see the CyberSinging section.
Can I charge my Electric Vehicle at the site?
Unfortunately the site does not have capacity for charging (it caused us problems last year...) so please see https://www.zap-map.com/locations/pewsey-charging-points/ or however you find you get recharged - sorry about that - we do support your initiative but there just isn't the current infrastructure in the site.
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.
Why have you switched the weekend?
The very observant BlokeFest Follower will notice that we have moved from the weekend we have used in previous times, most often the UK's "Father's Day" weekend, to the UK Summer Solstice Weekend. We'd like to pretend it's because of some cosmic sub-plot and that we saw it in the stars, but we'd be spinning a yarn, although we'll admit that we had to align a few stars to make it happen on this particular slot in the calendar, so let's claim that amount of cosmic input and manifest for all our worth for another cracking weekend, whenever it is!
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 partner, or brother or uncle or son or Granddad, or whatever.
And just to explore a bit further, so that we’re all singing from the same "Him sheet" (geddit?), Blokefest is committed to treating all people with respect regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender or singing ability. We are a very welcoming and inclusive club! We have some touching feedback from numerous attendees who are genuinely moved by how welcome they are made to feel and what a lovely warm and inclusive vibe there is at the event.
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, thin 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 Blokes 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 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 https://www.visitpewseyvale.co.uk/where-to-stay-2/ but there are many other sites, just search for them and tell them we sent you.
Can I bring my caravan or camper van?
Yes, but... Space is limited on the main 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 or we may have to ask you to park in a particular spot on the site.
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. ;-)
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? It's a tough one... basically no refunds unless we cancel... but read on...
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 of error 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 (£10) and any transaction costs.
If you want to make any changes to any part of your booking, such as purchase of different combination of merchandise, we will do what we can to help, but you must appreciate it is extra admin for us and often the charges we have to pay for transactions via Ticket / Payment services will make this uneconomical for both parties. We might just have to owe you a pint (or more)!
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 £10) 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.
Why have you switched the weekend?
The very observant BlokeFest Follower will notice that we have moved from the weekend we have used in previous times, most often the UK's "Father's Day" weekend, to the UK Summer Solstice Weekend. We'd like to pretend it's because of some cosmic sub-plot and that we saw it in the stars, but we'd be spinning a yarn, although we'll admit that we had to align a few stars to make it happen on this particular slot in the calendar, so let's claim that amount of cosmic input and manifest for all our worth for another cracking weekend, whenever it is!
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 partner, or brother or uncle or son or Granddad, or whatever.
And just to explore a bit further, so that we’re all singing from the same "Him sheet" (geddit?), Blokefest is committed to treating all people with respect regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender or singing ability. We are a very welcoming and inclusive club! We have some touching feedback from numerous attendees who are genuinely moved by how welcome they are made to feel and what a lovely warm and inclusive vibe there is at the event.
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, thin 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 Blokes 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 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 https://www.visitpewseyvale.co.uk/where-to-stay-2/ but there are many other sites, just search for them and tell them we sent you.
Can I bring my caravan or camper van?
Yes, but... Space is limited on the main 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 or we may have to ask you to park in a particular spot on the site.
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. ;-)
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? It's a tough one... basically no refunds unless we cancel... but read on...
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 of error 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 (£10) and any transaction costs.
If you want to make any changes to any part of your booking, such as purchase of different combination of merchandise, we will do what we can to help, but you must appreciate it is extra admin for us and often the charges we have to pay for transactions via Ticket / Payment services will make this uneconomical for both parties. We might just have to owe you a pint (or more)!
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 £10) 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].
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