The Big Feastival, Kingham, The Cotswolds (August)
Presented by Alex James, The Big Feastival is a unique weekend celebration of music, food and fun for all the family. It’s held in August and set on Alex’s idyllic Cotswolds farm.
The Big Feastival food tent. All Photos: The Big Feastival
The Big Feastival is a firm favourite with families and foodies around the UK. It’s a lip-smackingly delicious and fun-filled day out or August Bank Holiday weekend in the glorious Cotswolds.
Londoners and tourists can leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind by jumping on a train at Paddington station and alighting at Kingham station just under 90 minutes later. The farm is a 3-minute walk away – as Jamie Oliver would say “easy peasy lemon squeezy”.
The music line-up, and celebrity chefs taking part in the festival, changes every year so be sure to check out the festival website for the latest announcements.
Have Family Fun at The Big Feastival
With its food and music theme, this really is a unique festival. It’s a festival with heart too as funds are raised for charities such as Action Against Hunger. Be a festival-goer for the day, camp for the weekend or treat yourself to a luxurious glamping experience. The farm is owned by writer, musician and cheesemaker Alex James who is best known as the bass player in Blur.
Groove The Night Away
There’s music from top acts with performances in previous years from artists such Paloma Faith and Groove Armada and demos from big name chefs including Raymond Blanc, Monica Galetti, Tom Kerridge and Nathan Outlaw.
Take Part in a Cheese Tasting
Alex James has turned his hand to cheese making (we recommend reading his book All Cheeses Great and Small – A Life Less Blurry). Festival go-ers can taste, try and buy his entire range of artisan cheeses. Discover cheeses such as Goddess which is washed in Somerset cider brandy and Blue Monday which has streaks of piquant blue. The tasting takes part in the Cheese Hub, an all day cocktail bar where Alex himself and a variety of special guests, spin tunes from late afternoon until close of play each night resulting in quite the party.
Feast The Night Away
Eat and shop ’til your heart’s content with delicious food from the cream of the UK’s street food crop. Once you’ve had your fill, join in a cookery class or get to know inspiring food producers such as the Primrose Bakery, Riverford Organics and Neal’s Yard.
Go to The Big Top
Your kids will thank you for taking them to the Big Top and vintage funfair. For a taste of the country, meet the farms animals from Adam Henson’s nearby Cotswold Farm Park or hang out at the Village Green.
Tips
- The Big Feastival is easily accessible by car and parking is free
- If you’re camping, you’re welcome to bring your own food and drink to the campsite area
- Looking for a gift? Check out our guide to the Best Gifts For Cheese Lovers
Where to Stay in Kingham
Most people opt for glamping at the festival but if you don’t fancy that there are holiday cottages in Kingham including:
Pear Tree Cottage – a cosy and pretty holiday cottage with two bedrooms
Badger Cottage – a comfortable holiday cottage with two bedrooms and a garden
For hotels and pubs with rooms nearby, check out these recommendations for the Best Places to Stay in The Cotswolds
Dogs
They tell me that as much as they love dogs, things would get a little chaotic if every man and his dog came along. So they’ve decided the men (and women and children) can come but the dogs must stay at home. Guide and assistance dogs are, of course, welcome.
How to Find the Big Feastival
The Big Feastival site is on Alex James’ farm near Kingham, Oxfordshire, OX7 6UJ
Website: www.thebigfeastival.com
Explore
Find more Foodie Things To Do in the Cotswolds.
Discover more Food Festivals & Events and Cheese Tasting Experiences.
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.