I honestly thought this was a piss take.

[Cavanchezmode]

Menfest. I shit you not.

menfest.org/

I don't see the problem with this.

I don't think it's to do with not recognising our privilege. I think it's more to do with reflecting on, and hopefully broadening, what it means to be, or what you think is expected of, a man.
We do need, after all, to promote a better understanding of that idea amongst men, so that effeminate men don't go round saying they're actually women.
I was at a Buddhist camping event once where the men's groups (some of them anyway) were a bit MRAish. I hope this doesn't turn out to be like that.

It sounds great in a tree hugging, knitted sandals way.

Good luck to them, and if they could spread the word amongst other men all well and good.

It sounds like an excellent idea. If I was male I'd take my son.

That's what I worry about Polidori- you just know it will attract those types, maybe hearing out normal men will make them become enlightened or maybe they'll manage to bend the ear of a normal man who has gone looking for guidance.

The world could do with a few more men who are happy to sit and talk about feelings and thoughts rather than drink and do drugs and ignore what’s going on within and around them.

Good for them, sounds nice except for the no alcohol bit.
If you look at the ticket pricing bit, it has a bit to donate a little extra so that some other men can go for free, if enough donate I guess.

Angel Ticket FundThis is an Optional Addition that adds to our Angel Ticket Fund. When we have enough for a place, we get to gift that to a Man who would otherwise be unable to attend, i.e. Refugee Men, Single Working Fathers, Otherwise-Abled Brothers.

I think this is really positive. It's encouraging men who aren't of the testosterone and beer soaked variety to come together. Men like my DH who is isolated and lonely because he's surrounded by men he has nothing in common with

I don't think a Reggae festival is comparable in any way! As far as I know people who listen to Reggae aren't a privileged group.

Who said anything about privilege? My point was that people with different characteristics, interests, life circumstances etc can choose to get together if they want to.

Would you choose to spend your time campaigning against the very existence of Burton or Top Man as blatant tools of the Patriarchy - because they deliberately exclude women from their dealings?

Or do you think that men should be forced to wear sackcloth and ashes at all times, eat nothing but wild locusts and spend their days howling and flagellating themselves as punishment for having been born male?

I don't have time to read the whole thread now but I think it's important to remember that we are currently facing a male mental health crisis.

Here in northern Ireland the rate of suicide in males has become really frightening. If something like this came here I would 100% be buying my husband a ticket.

I think it's ok for everyone, regardless of gender, to take a break, to disengage from the everyday and recognise their own needs, likes and to feel comfortable in their own skin. Not having to fit into the Patriarchal society like OP says.

The very fact that this has caused a thread on Mumsnet shows how rate it is for there to be an outlet like this for males. I for one think that's very sad.

Each to their own.

@Polidori a big Buddha camp in a Field? We may frequent the same places!

It sounds like it has a positive ethos, and I can’t see anything wrong with the idea of ‘healthy masculinity’.

Plus it could be useful next time anyone wants to organise a women’s event and the less-nice men say ‘wahhhh, if men had a festival there would be an OUTCRY!’ We can just point at Menfest and they can STFU (not that they ever will).

I;m raising a son with significant mental health issues. I hope as an adult he will be able to attend these kinds of supportive events for men to support one another.

As many others have said....male suicide is at an all time high. Depression, anxiety etc....something like this is great. Or even if it's just a group of mates that want to get away for a weekend....for many it's better than going on a massive bender... actually I imagine there this would be amazing for men in recovery of addiction.

And it's all for charity...what's the issue??

I'm all for equality and all that but honestly....moaning about events like this where it could and will actually make a difference to men AND is raising money for great causes....come on op, lighten up.

Love the idea of women's fest too

Leesposters Small world!

They share recipes!!!
Men are also damaged by the patriarchy, we all are.
I think it sounds great tbh

Triggered are you?
Sounds like a great idea. Men have higher suicide rates, are facing a MH crisis, are more likely to be attacked by a stranger etc.. having a space to address these can only be good.
Woman are also a massively overrepresented group as mentioned upthread, should we not be allowed our own festivals?

But the no beer and vegetarian aspect makes it seem like a knit your own yoghurt type affair that would not appeal to anyone I know!

I think things like this are vital, and should be part of the strategy to tackle the "silent crisis" in men's mental health. Knowing a young man who very recently ended his life, due to his struggles with regards to his sexuality, his gender and his place in society as a man, I applaud this effort.

Sounds great, I don't understand why it would bother anyone.

Oh my god I LOVE this. Why shouldn't men come together to support each other towards spiritual and social enlightenment? Patriarchy affects and limits men as much as it affects and limits women. This rather looks like it's set up to help men figure out their place and being in a world of equality. I think it's marvellous. I'm going to try and convince my husband to go.

What?! There's nothing wrong with this at all. Why is everyone so offended by everything these days.

There is literally a parallel festival for women.

Men are allowed to do things together you know...

@WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll Or do you think that men should be forced to wear sackcloth and ashes at all times, eat nothing but wild locusts and spend their days howling and flagellating themselves as punishment for having been born male?

Er...no...but full marks for incredible escalation! Here you go

I;m raising a son with significant mental health issues. I hope as an adult he will be able to attend these kinds of supportive events for men to support one another

Yes exactly. I know a young adult male who has been emotionally and mentally abused by his female partner, has suffered anxiety and depression as a result and who would benefit massively from this. I doubt men who are of the 'toxic masculinity' brigade would be the least bit interested in an event like this - sounds too much like its about getting in touch with your hippy/ feminine side.

Anyway there are plenty of us who are privileged: male and female -doesn't mean we should all be banned from having festivals where we can get together with members of the same gender.

I think it’s great. I hope they’ll be addressing the prevelance of mental health problems amongst their sex and the stigma against SAHD.

Woman are also a massively overrepresented group really?! Where?!