Some of you will know there was already a do. It was an incredibly lovely surprise, and to all those that put it on: I cannot express my gratitude enough. But you know what I'm like - I love throwing parties. And I've always wanted to have a birthday thing where we might actually get some sunshine, with camping.
If you're unlucky enough to have a birthday in the deep of winter, you'll know exactly what I mean. Summer birthday lot: you don't know when you were born.
So I'm planning a shindig at the Barge Inn. It's a special place where I've celebrated a lot of very important moments with equally important people, so it feels only right to return for this one.
Tickets can now be booked, so please grab yours and fill in the form to let me know who’s coming, who’s up for helping organise, playing some music, or getting involved etc.
A legendary canal-side pub built in 1810, tucked away in the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, The Barge Inn sits right on the Duke's Ley Line, an ancient alignment said to run between Avebury and Stonehenge.
With the Alton Barnes White Horse carved into the hillside directly opposite and the Crop Circle Museum nextdoor, it's hard not to feel like you've stumbled upon somewhere steeped in a touch of magic.
Bloodhound Gang Cover band
& maybe a few more — pester Danny if you think you should be on this
Got an idea for an interactive show, outdoor game, or live act? DJs, performers, musicians, circuit benders, all very welcome. If you’ve got decor, lighting, or kit to contribute, even better. We’ll also need people on the BBQ, help running the cinema night, and general mucking in across the weekend.
All ideas welcome. This is an inclusive DIY event. Just add your name to the form.
Add your nameA firm Barge favourite, DJ Sidetrakka is an experienced UK-based DJ known for her energetic mixes of house and bass music. She has been mixing records since 1997, with a style rooted in early rave culture, and enjoys playing a variety of venues, from intimate gatherings to larger festivals and even boat parties. She is recognised for her ability to create “choonable” sets that bring a smile to the dance floor, seriously good humoured house music and all things 4/4.
The Barge Inn is at Honey Street, Pewsey, SN9 5PS, off the B3087. The lane down to the pub is single-track, so take it steady. When you arrive, speak to the people in the check-in hut and they’ll point you to the right place.
Off the B3087, parking on site. Main what3words for arrival: ///remake.adults.rave
Pewsey is the nearest station, about 10 minutes by taxi. Flag in the form if you need a lift coordinating.
It's right on the Kennet & Avon. If you have access to a boat, this is your moment.
Lots of crossover in where people are coming from. Get in the lift pool to share a car or find a lift.
GET DRESSED UP ON SATURDAY!
Dress in either something shiny or one of the what3words from near the venue. Or both!
There’s a list of what3words costume prompts on the Costumes page if you want something stupid to work from.
Yes, if they can deal with reprobates. You may want to camp separately as we'll be noisy.
Barbecue food, and a costume for Saturday: either something shiny or one of the what3words from near the venue (there's a list of stupid prompts on the Costumes page). If you fancy it, bring some bits to decorate the campsite too, like bunting, fairy lights, flags, anything daft to make our corner look the part. Otherwise wear what you like.
Yes, there's parking.
People can come for one, two, three, or even four nights. The main activities will be Friday through Sunday, and we'll watch some films on Sunday night, but I expect many will do Friday to Sunday and that's all good. The pub's ace, there's lots to do round there and the people are very friendly. I'll be staying Thursday to Monday.
Yes. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads at all times.
You'll find showers, toilets, washing-up facilities, a washing machine and tumble dryer on site. Fire drums are available to hire and you can pick up firewood too. Elsan facilities are available for the boaties.
Refunds are given only if you cancel at least 2 weeks before your booking; no refunds on the day of arrival. Glamping cancellations within 2 weeks may have 50% deducted from the refund.
Ticket bookings are handled on the Tickets page.
Book Tickets