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The Magnificent AKs are the singing blokes of Ashton Keynes, a tranquil corner of north, North Wiltshire nestled between the nascent river Thames and the Cotswold Water Park.
Maybe it’s the soggy conditions, or something to do with gravel, but nobody knows the exact reason why, in 2008 the men of the village started to sing. They sang about sheds. And duct tape. And beer. In fact, they sang about everything that was important to them, occasionally with a jaunty hat.
From such humble beginnings, the troupe have ascended the greasy-pole to perform in (among other places) The Colston Hall and The Roundhouse. They’ve appeared live on Radio 3’s ‘The Choir’ and sung on Windmills, White Horses and at Stonehenge, giving them the title for their first CD ‘Monumental’. Two tours to Ireland later (both times picking up awards at prestigious choral festivals) a visit to the Giant’s Causeway gave us the inspiration for our second recording ‘Gigantic’.
The hirsute harmonists peddle their own brand of testosterone-fuelled tomfoolery and also sometimes run ‘Sing Like A Bloke’ workshops (open to blokes of all genders).
‘They reinvigorate the male voice choir mode and the notion of maleness itself – quite some feat for a group of beer-bellied blokes from Wiltshire.’ Tom Spooner – Bristol 24/7
‘Thanks for your amazing performance at our beer fest – the comments received have been unbelievable, it was the talk of the town!’ Wadworths Brewery Winter Beer Festival
‘both well sung and entertaining at all times – definitely worth a look.’ Jan Sparrow – Cirencester Scene
‘I revelled not only in their cheeky humour but glorious a cappella harmonies.’ Rosie Upton – Chippenham Folk Festival.
‘Some of the most exciting singing in the UK. These guys will make your underpants shake!’ Matthew Swann – Artistic Director Voices Now