Alex James’ The Big Feastival Back For 7th Year!
The Big Feastival, presented by NEFF, will make its much anticipated return to the Cotswolds this August Bank Holiday and has just announced its most stellar line-up to date. With chart-topping music, Michelin star chefs, award-winning street food and a packed programme of family entertainment, the festival has something for everyone on this year’s menu.
With a double platinum selling album, two BRIT awards and a Grammy under their belts, The Big Feastival will get off to a barnstorming start thanks to none other than Basement Jaxx. The electronic music duo will bring the party from Ibiza to the Cotsworlds, getting the crowd on their feet with their Friday night DJ Set. The feel-good factor continues on Saturday with RnB sensation Craig David taking control of the stage. The singer-songwriter will be performing nostalgic classics and new hits which have seen a remarkable 15 top-10s across almost two decades. The festival will come to an epic close with pop powerhouse Paloma Faith topping the bill with anthems from her new album,The Architect, on Sunday night.
The weekend will also feature X Factor 2012 winner James Arthur performing hits from his no.1 album Back from the Edge; electronic maestros Clean Bandit bringing the energy that only eight top-5 tunes can guarantee; and you can Read All About It with rapper Professor Green. Also are on the bill are DJs including David Rodigan MBEproviding a selection of reggae dancehall music, bone fide superstar Jaguar Skillsoffering his unique mixes, and garage duo Artful Dodger offering a timely reminder of their role as chiefs of the underground.
Feastival veterans The Cuban Brothers will be adding their distinctive blend of music, comedy and dancing entertainment with their special 20th anniversary live show, La Familia. Alongisde this, former Spice Girl Melanie C, emerging talent Becky Hill, hip-hopgroup Sugarhill Gang, rock band Peter Hook and The Light, the rousing Hackney Colliery Band plus Britpop Brass and Duke will also be welcomed to the main stage.
On the food front, The Big Feastival will host two of the biggest powerhouses in the industry. Marco Pierre White, dubbed the godfather of modern cooking and the youngest chef to achieve three Michelin stars, will be sharing his culinary wisdom that launched the careers of notable chefs including Gordon Ramsay. Joining him on the line up – one of Britain’s most respected chefs, Raymond Blanc OBE, a culinary icon who has shared his expertise to nurture some of the country’s best chefs today – some 34 of his protégés have gone on to win Michelin stars themselves. Raymond is Chef Patron of Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, having retained two Michelin stars for an astounding 33 years.
The NEFF Big Kitchen will play host to top chefs and restaurateurs as they cook to an audience, share their knowledge and take part in live Q&A’s. Glynn Purnell will be showcasing the bold and innovative cooking which has brought him a Michelin star. Critically acclaimed restaurateur Ashley Palmer-Watts, winner of two Michelin stars, will be serving up the historic British inspired dishes he’s renowned for. Meanwhile, Mark Hix MBE will share the expertise which has seen him publish over 10 cookbooks on British cuisine.
The Big Feastival will bring family favourites straight from visitors’ most popular cooking programmes to the stage for live demonstrations as Matt Tebbutt and Andi Oliver join us on the farm. Tommy Banks will highlight his Michelin star winning credentials while MasterChef winner 2017 Saliha Mahmood Ahmed will be showcasing the unusual flavour combinations and exciting dishes which won her the trophy. Across the weekend, visitors can also enjoy cookery sessions with French baker Richard Bertinet, master of innovative Indian-inspired dishes Will Bowlby, as well as grill legends David Carter of Smokestak and DJ BBQ.
For those who are keen to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in, the NEFF Cookaholics Cookery School offers a hands-on experience where visitors learn how to get creative in the kitchen and the NEFF Little Kitchen provides interactive cookery classes to encourage budding young chefs. Festival-goers who have worked up an appetite will enjoy the very best in British Street Food and have the chance to dine in the brand new Collaboration Kitchen, featuring limited edition collaboration menus from some of the most exciting names in the street food scene throughout the weekend
Host Alex James said: "I am thrilled to once again host The Big Feastival on the farm and this year is set to be the biggest yet, I can’t wait to add to all of the fantastic memories we’ve helped make over the last six years. We’ve got a crackin’ line up across music and food coming to deliver an incredible experience for the whole family. Last year saw the largest Big Feastival crowd ever and we’re excited to top that again this summer. See you there.”
Dedicated to festival fun for all the family, The Big Feastival has plenty of tricks up its sleeves to ensure the kids are entertained from start to finish. The little feastival-goers will be completely spoilt for choice this summer, with the return of some familiar faces and some exciting new additions to the line-up. They’ll enjoy live entertainment from children’s TV sensation Justin Fletcher and CBeebies presenter Andy Day, with chances to meet Paddington™, The Gruffalo and Peppa Pig and George over the three day extravaganza. When they need to burn off a little energy, they can tackle The Little Dudes’ Den, try out Tree Climbing, join the Circus, take part in the Village Green Games or take a spin around the Vintage Fun Fair.
For full information on the music, food and family programmes and to purchase tickets, visit: http://uk.thebigfeastival.com/
