Although James is best known as a musician, he’s also an accomplished cheesemaker. After his success with Blur, he purchased a farmhouse in Kingham, Oxfordshire and renovated it into a burgeoning cheese farm that produces everyday and artisan cheeses.
James made his first attempt to organize a food and music festival in 2011. The event was entitled Alex James Presents Harvest. It combined live music and the best of the British food scene. Unfortunately, the company that helped stage the festival soon went bankrupt. So James teamed up with Jamie Oliver and created the Big Feastival. The inaugural event was held in 2012 on Alex James’ farm in Kingham.
The Big Feastival is a three-day celebration of the best local produce and supplies, the greatest chefs and fantastic entertainment set in a picturesque rural location. The event combines food & drink, live music and entertainment for the entire family.
The Food & Drink segment of the program features award-winning chefs and food writers from all over UK and abroad who demonstrate their cooking skills and techniques and share their secrets and experience with the audience. Live demos take place on the Cooking Stage. The food-related portion of the program also includes the Cookaholics Cookery School, the Little Kitchen, Alex James’ Cheese Hub, street food, table sessions with top chefs and experts, the artisan food and drink markets, feasts and banquets, the recipe corner, Friday Night Supper Club, and more.
The Big Feastival’s musical line-up over the years has included Guillemots, Razorlight, Jamie Cullum, De La Soul, Kelis, Fatboy Slim, The Noisettes, Paloma Faith, Basement Jazz, Rizzle Kicks, The Feeling, KT Tunstall, and other notable musicians and bands.
Along with live music and food-related events and activities, the festival presents an entertainment program for attendees of all ages. It includes comedians, funfair rides, a petting zoo, arts and crafts for kids, a lifestyle village, music stages hosting up-and-coming acts, special activities for children, workshops, and other attractions.
