Bunkfest 2024: Music, Drinks, Food, Dancing (and a Walk)
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BunkFest* is a free annual music and beer festival hosted in the charming market town of Wallingford. Named after the “Bunk-line” that used to connect Wallingford and Cholsey via train, BunkFest has morphed into an eclectic local festival, with a generous dollop of music and folk-dance mixed in with lots of street food and drink options. The festival is spread across eight venues with constant rolling entertainment, so there should be something for everyone, and if not, the beer festival running in parallel should make up for this. Whilst BunkFest is a free festival there are plenty of opportunities to support it (see the event website for more details)!
While no set eatery is planned, for the foodies joining us BunkFest has as many food options as it does beer options, and if street food isn't your thing then there are takeaways and restaurants available to suit most preferences.
While BunkFest is the main event, we'll enjoy the wider Thames Valley through a short 7 mile (ish) amble along the Thames Path from Goring to Wallingford (or via the Ridgeway depending on underfoot conditions). We'll arrive at Bunkfest early afternoon, allowing for plenty of time to drink, eat, chat and dance (this is optional!).
There's no fixed end time for the event but attendees are welcome to continue enjoying the festival atmosphere or make their way to return travel: you can either take the short 2 mile walk (1 hour amble) to Cholsey station for trains to Reading/Didcot; or catch bus services travelling to Didcot/Oxford/Reading.
*Credit to David (co-leader) for suggesting this event and walk idea!
Is it dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome on the walk but please abide by the Countryside Code (https://tinyurl.com/rlqvp3h). Please also remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so please be mindful of other members.
New Members
Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions then feel free to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
Want to Get Out More?
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* Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
What to bring
This may be a mix of a social event and walk but it's still important to be adequately prepared. As above, we have no idea about the weather conditions leading up to or during the event, this can significantly change underfoot and general walking conditions (the Thames Path can get very muddy as can the Ridgeway and August can bring hot weather) hence, the following kit is recommended:
- Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
- Rucksack: or any other bag
- Footwear: hiking/walking boots
- Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
- Trousers: not jeans which become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
- Waterproof jacket: breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
- Sunglasses: for any sunny day
- Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
I'll provide a weather and underfoot conditions update a day or so before the walk.
Food & drink
There'll be plenty of food options at Wallingford Bunkfest. However, there will be a 7 mile walk to get to the festival so please ensure you bring the following:
- Sufficient water (at least 1L) - we have no idea about the temperature for that weekend - it could be very hot so best be prepared for this eventuality!
- Small snacks in case you get hungry on the walk.
No need to bring lunch unless you have specific dietary requirements that are unlikely to be met at Bunkfest.