A Festival Of Dadliness

Do you remember leaving school on the first step into the working world and/or further education? Maybe you look back at your first kiss fondly? Maybe the thing that sticks out in your mind is when you made the huge step to leave your parents and branch out on your own?

These are all terrifying things in their own way but is there anything more overwhelmingly scary than becoming a parent? I think not.

When the day arrives and you become a parent, it can be the most daunting, scary and overwhelming occasion to happen. You, as a person, have only ever had to look after yourself but all of a sudden, you are thrust into a world of looking after a child. A child that is solely dependent on you/partner to survive. Over those first few months to a year, you struggle, you laugh and you learn what it means to be a parent. Simultaneously, you develop the strongest of bonds to another human being that you previously thought impossible. In that time, the love you feel for your child will only grow and become stronger. Not just for mothers but for fathers too.

It can’t end there though, can it? You can’t get by with hopes and dreams and so, you work. Typically fathers spend the majority of time working to provide for their family. Meaning, the child/children look to Mum for comfort and sustenance. However, fathers are important too and that is where Men Behaving Dadly (MBD) and events like DadFest comes in!

Every week MBD provides a place for fathers to bond and strengthen their relationships with their children. A place where they can talk to other Dads from all walks of life working out how to get by whilst being the best possible Dad that they can be. From day trips out and working around the local community to help people with things like litter picking. MBD is spreading the message of positivity and mental health awareness to everyone we meet.

Then there is DadFest. A weekend-long camping trip every year exclusively for fathers with tons of activities. From Archery, Rock Climbing and Caving to Campfire Stories, Roasting Marshmallows, Jame’s Wriggily Roadshow & even a Dad Dancing Competition, there is always something that will enable you to make memories with your children.

This year, myself and many, MANY other Dads made our way to Linnet Clough. That is a little place on the edge of the Peak District over in Stockport. A campsite that had tons of activities. Like a Cave Bus – A bus that has been converted into a cave system to challenge kids young and old (& some Dads too) to see if they could make it all the way through to the very end. Or you could try your hands at the peddle-powered go-karts around an oval track. Lot’s of power needed for this one. There were Water Rockets for the kids to do near the end & of course, access to amazing food throughout.

DadFest saw Dads tackling a 50ft climbing wall and then abseiling down afterward. Archery was also available showing Dads and children alike that Robin Hood was actually insanely talented…or he would have been if he was not a fictitious character lol. There was also a Forest School which used nature to do arts & crafts. Or maybe, just maybe, none of those things were your “cup of tea”. In that case, you were fully endorsed and encouraged to explore, like taking a walk to the lake.

In summary, what I personally saw (& other Dads confirmed) was an amazing sense of community in a place that felt like a home-away-from-home. People coming together that I had never met before. Children playing and making brand new friends. Lot’s of laughter and smiles with an overwhelming sense of unity across the event – The very things we like to promote at MBD.

The event organisers, Ian, Adam, Vicky & our very own wonder woman Rachel did a superb job. Ian regaled us with the humble beginnings of DadFest and how it has grown whilst he kept the event moving and helped with any issues that came up (Like the weather for example lol), Adam was always on hand in the Chalet to make sure that every man and child were fed and had somewhere they could go to charge their phones. Even going above and beyond for people with allergies…cough…cough…like me. Then there was Vicky always being on hand with any questions or issues and helping every child that asked for anything. Lastly, our very own MBD organiser Rachel. I cannot praise her enough for her selfless acts of kindness both at DadFest and at MBD too. MBD would not be where it is now if it wasn’t for her, even if she does lock herself out of her room sometimes lol.

DadFest is amazing and the memories we all made by attending for the last 3 years are going to be the memories our children look back on when they are grown. To me, that is, and always will be priceless. If you are interested in attending next year, either come and join us at MBD or alternatively, around May 2027, take a look online for ticket sales. You won’t be disappointed.

For all those that did attend this year – You helped to make it unforgettable and it was a pleasure to meet you all. Until DadFest 2027, “Keep making memories my friends” – The Dads Network

– Rob & Serah