Bootcamp '26 was glorious! Register for 2027 now

This year was the 2nd ever UK Acoustic Bootcamp, and my biggest worry was that it wouldn't match up to the beautiful vibe from last year. We'd booked this one to capacity - although it's still a small camp - and the weather forecasts were ominous.

But it turned out even better. Me, Natasha and Thomas (Leeb), and the returning campers from '26, all felt immediately at home, so we were like one big welcoming committee for the new recruits.

There was plenty of sunshine, but when the downpours arrived they just let us find new ways to interact: Jams in the cozy living room, chats in the dining hall, and using our new Eco Lodge recording studio.

I loved the guitar lesson mix: Maestro Pino Forastiere brings an aura of otherworldly genius, while groovemaster Chris Woods loves to create accessible workshops where everyone can participate right away.

And a LOT of fun was had. There's something about playing the acoustic guitar: The way it instantly reveals your true personality, but also acts as a social tool - a small-talk ice-breaker, or even hiding place.

After the year I've had, with the pain and terror of breaking my elbow in half, I left bootcamp feeling rejuvenated, reassured, reconnected.

Thank you from me and Natasha to everyone who attended and especially to Thomas Leeb, Rob Barnaville, and Steve, Carolyn, Zerbanoo, Susie, Joe and everyone else at The Asha Centre, without whom it would just be me in a field trying to teach fingerstyle to sheep.

Love from

Jon