The Big Feastival in Kingham: Ultimate Guide to Food, Music, and Family Fun

Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, The Big Feastival in Kingham is a vibrant celebration of food, music, and family fun. Each year, we gather to enjoy an unforgettable weekend filled with gourmet delights, live performances, and engaging activities for all ages. It’s not just a festival; it’s an experience that tantalises all our senses.

What sets The Big Feastival apart is its unique blend of culinary excellence and top-tier entertainment. From world-renowned chefs showcasing their culinary prowess to chart-topping artists lighting up the stage, there’s something for everyone. As we stroll through the picturesque grounds of Alex James’ farm, we can’t help but be swept up in the joyous atmosphere and sense of community.

Key Takeaways

• Diverse Offerings: The Big Feastival in Kingham is renowned for its mix of gourmet food, live music, and family-friendly activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
• Top Chefs and Artists: Featuring culinary demonstrations from renowned chefs like Jamie Oliver and musical performances by artists such as Paloma Faith, the festival delivers high-quality entertainment.
• Family-Oriented Activities: With dedicated play areas, face painting, and interactive workshops, the festival caters extensively to families with children.
• Sustainability Focus: The festival emphasises eco-friendly practices, including recycling stations and the use of locally sourced, organic ingredients, contributing to its commitment to the environment.
• Accessible Location: Conveniently located in the Cotswolds, the festival offers shuttle services and various accommodation options, ensuring ease of access and comfort for all attendees.

Overview Of The Big Feastival In Kingham

The Big Feastival in Kingham stands out as a premier event due to its diverse offerings. Held annually on August bank holiday weekend, it features a curated mix of culinary delights, live music, and family-friendly activities. This festival occurs on Alex James’ farm, merging rural charm with high-energy entertainment.

Top Chefs and Culinary Experiences

Each year, renowned chefs, such as Jamie Oliver and Raymond Blanc, headline the Big Feastival. They share gourmet recipes, offer cooking demonstrations, and engage with festival-goers. Many visitors enjoy sampling artisanal foods and attending interactive cooking classes. The atmosphere buzzes with food enthusiasts exploring various cuisines and cooking techniques.

Music and Entertainment

Music lovers find a robust line-up of artists across multiple genres. Previous performers have included Paloma Faith, Basement Jaxx, and Mark Ronson. The festival features multiple stages, each catering to different musical tastes. Entertainment options extend beyond music, with comedy shows, workshops, and theatre performances ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Big Feastival prioritises families, offering activities suitable for all ages. Kids enjoy dedicated play areas, face painting, and craft workshops. Interactive areas, like the Big Top, host circus skills sessions, storytimes, and magic shows. These activities, alongside the petting zoo, keep younger attendees entertained throughout the event.

Sustainable Initiatives

Sustainability is at the core of the Big Feastival. Organisers implement eco-friendly practices, such as recycling stations and reduced single-use plastics. Food vendors often use locally sourced, organic ingredients. These initiatives reflect a commitment to preserving the environment while creating an enjoyable experience for all.

Accommodation and Accessibility

Visitors can choose various accommodation options, including on-site camping, glamping, and nearby hotels. The festival site ensures accessibility with facilities for those with mobility issues. Shuttle services link the site to major transport hubs, making travel convenient for attendees.

The Big Feastival in Kingham offers a well-rounded experience blending gourmet food, live music, and family activities. Its commitment to sustainability and accessibility makes it an attractive destination for a diverse crowd.

Location And Accessibility

The Big Feastival in Kingham, Cotswolds, is easily accessible and situated in a picturesque location. Alex James’ farm, the event’s venue, offers an ideal setting for a memorable festival experience.

Getting There

Kingham is conveniently located near major transport links. By train, you can reach Kingham Station from London Paddington in around 90 minutes. If driving, the farm is accessible via the A44 and A361. Free shuttle buses run between Kingham Station and the festival site, ensuring smooth transit.

Nearby Attractions

Beyond the festival, the Cotswolds offers numerous attractions. The historic market town of Chipping Norton is a short drive away, offering shops and restaurants. For nature enthusiasts, the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) provides walking trails and scenic views. These nearby attractions make attending the festival even more appealing, offering additional opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.

Music And Entertainment Line-Up

The Big Feastival showcases an electrifying line-up of music and entertainment for all ages. Attendees can enjoy performances from top artists and engage in a wide array of family-friendly activities.

Notable Performances

The Big Feastival consistently features renowned artists across multiple genres. Visitors can look forward to star-studded performances from previous headliners like Paloma Faith and Basement Jaxx. The festival’s diverse line-up ensures something for everyone, be it rock, pop, or electronic music.

• Paloma Faith: Known for her powerful voice and eclectic style, she delivers memorable performances that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Basement Jaxx: This electronic music duo energises the crowd with their dynamic beats and vibrant stage presence.
• Tom Grennan: His soulful voice and engaging stage antics have made him a favourite at the festival.

Family-Friendly Activities

Apart from the music, The Big Feastival excels in providing an array of activities tailored for family enjoyment. Dedicated play areas and interactive sessions cater to children and parents alike.

• Face Painting: Transforming children into their favourite characters or animals.
• Circus Skills Sessions: Teaching kids juggling, plate spinning, and other exciting skills.
• Outdoor Games: Classic games like sack races and tug of war keep families entertained together.

With so many entertaining options, The Big Feastival ensures a memorable experience for all attendees.

Food And Drink Highlights

The Big Feastival in Kingham showcases an array of gastronomic delights, highlighting the best in food and drink from local and international vendors. Attendees can enjoy everything from gourmet meals to refreshing beverages.

Top Food Vendors

• Cheese Hub: Alex James’ Cheese Hub offers a variety of artisanal cheeses. Festival-goers can sample specialties like Blue Monday and Little Wallop.
• DJ BBQ: Renowned for its wood-smoked meats, DJ BBQ serves up juicy burgers, pulled pork, and flame-grilled chicken, ensuring a mouth-watering experience.
• The Pig: This vendor brings the farm-to-table experience to life with organic sausages, fresh bacon sandwiches, and pork roasts, all sourced from their own livestock.
• Olly’s Olives: Perfect for a lighter snack, Olly’s Olives offers a selection of marinated olives and tapas-style nibbles, contributing to the Mediterranean flair.
• Padstow Brewing Co.: For craft beer enthusiasts, Padstow Brewing Co. serves a range of locally brewed ales and lagers, making sure there’s something to entice every palate.

• Lobster Rolls: At the Seafood Shack, indulge in lobster rolls packed with tender lobster meat, a splash of lemon juice, and a touch of dill.
• Wood-Fired Pizzas: Visit Pizza Pilgrims for their signature Neapolitan-style pizza, featuring tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil.
• Gourmet Burgers: Head over to Patty & Bun for gourmet burgers topped with unique sauces, cheese, and fresh vegetables on a soft brioche bun.
• Gin Cocktails: At The Cotswolds Distillery, enjoy handcrafted gin cocktails made with local botanicals, offering a refreshing antidote to the summer heat.
• Artisan Ice Cream: Stop by Jude’s Ice Cream for creamy, hand-crafted ice cream in a variety of flavours like salted caramel, vegan coconut, and chocolate brownie.

The Big Feastival ensures a spectacular culinary journey with these food and drink highlights, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Accommodation Options

To enhance your experience at The Big Feastival, a variety of accommodation options are available, ranging from on-site camping to local hotels and B&Bs. Each option provides a unique way to enjoy the festival and the beautiful Cotswolds surroundings.

Camping

For those who want to immerse themselves fully in The Big Feastival, on-site camping is a convenient and popular choice. Offering several options, from standard camping to more luxurious glamping, there’s something to suit everyone’s needs. Standard camping lets you pitch your tent in designated areas with access to facilities like toilets and showers. For a more upmarket experience, glamping options include pre-pitched tents, yurts, and bell tents, equipped with comfortable bedding and extra amenities. Remember to book ahead, as spaces fill up quickly.

Nearby Hotels And B&Bs

If camping isn’t your style, nearby hotels and B&Bs offer a comfortable alternative. In Kingham, and the neighbouring villages, there’s an array of charming accommodations. Some recommended choices include The Wild Rabbit, renowned for its cosy rooms and farm-to-table dining, and The Kingham Plough, which combines rustic charm with modern amenities. For a luxurious experience, The Fox at Oddington is a short drive away and offers elegant rooms and exquisite dining options. Many of these venues provide shuttle services to and from the festival, ensuring you won’t miss any of the action.

Choosing the right accommodation enhances the overall festival experience, whether you’re seeking convenience, comfort, or a blend of both.

Festival Atmosphere And Vibe

The Big Feastival offers an atmosphere that’s brimming with excitement and positive energy. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Alex James’ farm in the Cotswolds, the event exudes a unique blend of rural charm and modern vibrancy. Attendees experience a sense of community, with festival-goers of all ages coming together to celebrate food, music, and family activities.

Throughout the event, the vibrant energy is palpable. Colourful decorations, interactive installations, and artistic displays contribute to the lively ambiance. Street performers, magicians, and stilt walkers engage with the crowd, adding to the festive mood and providing spontaneous entertainment.

Community and camaraderie define the festival vibe. Parents, children, and friends explore the grounds, participating in various workshops and activities. Cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs and hands-on classes are popular spots, bringing people together through culinary creativity.

Nightfall transforms the festival into an electrifying scene. Fairy lights, vibrant stages, and the sounds of live music create an enchanting setting. Music enthusiasts gather in front of stages, swaying to performances from artists across diverse genres. The beats, rhythms, and melodies keep spirits high, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

The festival also prioritises sustainability, creating a positive environmental vibe. Eco-friendly stalls, recycling points, and the use of locally sourced ingredients contribute to a responsible and mindful atmosphere. Attendees appreciate these initiatives, adding to the collective sense of goodwill.

The atmosphere and vibe at The Big Feastival are a harmonious blend of excitement, community, and sustainability. The captivating environment and diverse activities ensure a memorable experience for everyone.

Tips For First-Time Attendees

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead ensures a smoother experience. We recommend purchasing tickets early, as they can sell out quickly. Review the festival’s schedule online to identify must-see acts and workshops. This allows you to optimise your time and avoid missing out on highlights.

Pack Essentials

Bringing essentials enhances comfort during the festival. Remember to pack sunscreen, a hat, reusable water bottles, and portable phone chargers. Comfortable footwear is crucial, as you’ll be on your feet most of the day. It’s also wise to bring a lightweight rain jacket to prepare for unpredictable weather.

Arrive Early

Arriving early provides the best opportunity to explore the site before the crowds arrive. You’ll have easier access to parking and can choose prime spots for viewing stages and demonstrations. Plus, early arrival allows more time to enjoy the full range of activities on offer.

Use the Shuttle Service

Leveraging the free shuttle service between Kingham Station and the festival site is convenient and eco-friendly. This saves time searching for parking and reduces your carbon footprint. The service runs frequently, ensuring minimal waiting time.

Explore Food Options

Exploring the diverse food options ensures you don’t miss out on culinary delights. With numerous vendors, from Alex James’ Cheese Hub to Patty & Bun, variety is guaranteed. Make a list of must-try foods to enjoy throughout the day, making the most of the gourmet experience.

Engage in Activities

Engaging in varied activities enriches the festival experience. Participate in cooking demos, music workshops, or family-friendly activities like face painting and circus skills. Engaging in these ensures a more immersive and fulfilling event.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is vital, especially if attending during hot weather. Utilize the festival’s water refill stations to keep your reusable bottles topped up. Hydration maintains energy levels and enhances overall enjoyment.

Respect Sustainability

Respecting the festival’s sustainability efforts contributes to a positive atmosphere. Use recycling bins, avoid single-use plastics, and support local vendors. By adopting eco-friendly practices, we help maintain the festival’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Choose the Right Accommodation

Choosing the right accommodation is key. Whether camping on-site or staying at a nearby B&B, select an option that matches your comfort level. On-site camping offers convenience, while local hotels provide extra comfort and amenities. Make bookings early to secure your preferred choice.

Stay Informed

Staying informed keeps you updated on any schedule changes or important announcements. Follow The Big Feastival on social media and download their app for real-time updates. This ensures you don’t miss any critical information or exciting last-minute additions.

Conclusion

The Big Feastival in Kingham truly offers something for everyone. With its blend of gourmet food, top-tier music, and family-friendly activities, it creates an unmatched festive atmosphere. The picturesque setting of Alex James’ farm adds to the charm, making it an event not to be missed.

Families, foodies, and music lovers alike will find plenty to enjoy. From culinary delights to live performances and engaging workshops, the festival ensures a memorable experience for all attendees. The focus on sustainability and community spirit further enhances the overall enjoyment.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, planning ahead and embracing the diverse offerings will help you make the most of this vibrant celebration. So, pack your essentials, gather your loved ones, and get ready for an unforgettable time at The Big Feastival.