Alex James had it spot on when he came on stage just before Snow Patrol to announce this year’s Big Feastival had the best line-up yet.
And the crowd cheered its agreement – Sunday was a sell-out drawing the biggest crowds of the three-day event at Alex James’ farm in Kingham, near Chipping Norton.
For us, Snow Patrol were the icing on the cake to a great weekend of top music, fun and food. We dashed from stage to stage to catch great acts from the Cuban Brothers, former Eastenders star Shaun Williamson (who played Barry) with his Barrioke, the Dolly Parton Experience, Simon Pegg on the decks to Becky Hill, Ministry of Sound Classical, Johnny Marr, record producer, songwriter and DJ, Jax Jones, Joel Corry, Natasha Bedingfield and Kate Nash.
Some of our favourites were Scouting for Girls, Ella Henderson, Brit Award nominee and singer songwriter Cat Burns, Irish singer songwriter Cian Ducrot. Dolly Parton (Sarah Jayne) who has been officially endorsed by the real Dolly Parton, was fabulous and drew a huge crowd at the Sundown Saloon stage in the Smokery Field.
She did a brilliant job of impersonating Dolly’s look, mannerisms and voice as she belted out many of her greatest hits – Jolene, 9-5, I will Always Love You and Islands in the Stream. She’s going to need a bigger stage next year!
Taking to the stage at The Exchange were comedians including Mock The Week’s Rhys James, stand-up comedian and presenter Zoe Lyons, and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Daliso Chaponda.
Podcasters James & Clair Buckley talked to the audience about the ups and downs of marriage. And The Scummy Mummies duo Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn shared their insights on the world of motherhood. Each night at The Exchange, the entertainment finished with a silent disco, which was pretty popular.
Music and entertainment aside there was so much more to see and do – we could have done with a week to get around and enjoy everything. The other big draw for people was the foodie side of the festival.
The Village Green was dedicated to food and children’s art and craft activities and was very, very popular. An array of chefs demonstrated their kitchen skills including Raymond Blanc, Andi & Miquita Oliver, Simon Rogan and so many more. While the barbecue chefs gave out tips for the best way to cook on the coals at the Fire Pit.
Festivals have certainly changed and adapted to their audience over the years, but we’re going to take a punt and say Big Feastival was the first to have a Marks & Spencer’s supermarket and café on-site. With Marks & Spencer, the event sponsor, it was everywhere and to be honest felt like a home from home.
They also ran a kids and adults teaching and a bar with a balcony seating area – we parked ourselves there for the Snow Patrol gig and had a great view. Final mention, must go to the Colin the Caterpillar backpacks – everyone had them (and yep we got one each too)!
Seriously there was so much to see and do and for the most the weather played ball! Although guy-ropes were certainly tested overnight Thursday/Friday for early campers, and rain on Saturday tested the resolve of some. But otherwise everyone was having a great time, letting their hair down and enjoying the weekend.
Special mention to all the volunteers who kept the toilets clean and refilled, the site clean and tidy, and generally helped us all – they were wonderful. Big Feastival was perfect for all ages from young families to teenagers, to grandparents and had a really friendly vibe – we can’t wait until next year.
