BlokeFest to return to Pewsey again for 2023

BlokeFest - a festival for men who enjoy singing - will be returning to the Cooper’s Arms in Pewsey this June. 

BlokeFest will run from 9 - 11 June 2023, now in its 12th year. 

A spokesperson for the festival said: “We all know that the world is a little less predictable than it used to be, but we very much hope that we can run yet another brilliant weekend of bonhommie and top class BlokeSong in 2023.

“And we will be celebrating 15 years of The Magnificent AKs, the originators of BlokeFest, so come along and help us mark this amazing landmark with song, food, singing, and possibily some more singing. 

“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 good company.”

The festival team say registration for motor homes and the quieter zones for overnight stays is now open, and people should get their requests in as soon as possible. 

The festival team say they have had a number of emails asking about requests to bring a Motorhome / Van / Caravan for people’s accommodation.  

A member of staff explains: “There’s nothing wrong with that, just that we need to make it clear that because of other infrastructure issues we cannot offer any electrical hook up or charging facilities at this year’s site.

“Also, we need to ensure we have capacity to accommodate any vehicles and position them accordingly, so to help us with that, if you are considering coming in such a vehicle can you please fill out this form https://forms.gle/Q7cYxresFiLZpRSP9 (your email software might give you a warning about a link mismatch but it should be ok!) - it should take just a minute or two.”

Quiet(er) Zone

BlokeFest organisers say one of the most significant pieces of feedback from last year was that many people felt that there was a bit too much noise overnight with some pretty serious “Whisky Club” related chatting well into the night and towards the dawn.

A spokesperson added: “We have recognised the feedback and will endeavour to make changes to the layout of the site to try to mitigate this whilst still having a space for those who wish to partake in late night chatting, even if it means it could be to the detriment of their singing the next day!

“So, all that remains is for your to head over to our updated website to find out more or go straight to the Registation Page to secure your slot for 2023.”

Furthermore, the BlokeFest team say they are delighted to announce the first news about this year’s Workshop Leaders:

Anna Tabbush

Choir Leader / Festival Leader / Inspiration

Anna will need no introduction to many BlokeFest regulars who also enjoy attending our brother event, Singing in the Shed, as she has led workshops there for a couple of times to great acclaim and is a festival organizer in her own right, as well as a gifted Choir Leader and performer.  
 

Craig McLeish

Conductor / Arranger / Choir Leader/ Top Bloke

We welcome back the wonderful Craig McLeish who left us with an absolute BlokeFest Belter, his version of “We’re your friends”, which is still a staple in the set of The Magnificent AKs to this day as their opening song and a complete classic.
 

Ben See & Dom Stichbury

Performers / Arrangers / Choir Leaders / Double Value

Another returning workshop leader is the now legendary Dom Stichbury, he of BlokeFest, Singing in the Shed, The Spooky Men’s Chorale, Chap’s Choir, BellowFellows fame, which is quite a roll call of honour in the canon of BlokeSong.

Dom is now part of a singing duo of beautiful, mellifluous music in the shape of Ben & Dom and the pair will be gracing us with their vocal talents and workshopping skills.

More information about the festival can be found on its website at https://www.blokefest.net/