​There are weekends that pass without incident, and then there are weekends that feel like they ought to be chiselled into the walls of the Cheese Hub as a reminder of why we endure the long English winter. The Big Feastival, once again, delivered the latter. Under skies that behaved themselves with uncharacteristic good manners, Alex James' farm became a sun-dappled playground for music, food, drink, and more happy faces than one field should reasonably contain. Quite simply, it was the best weekend of the year.

​Friday got off to a start that was both nostalgic and effervescent. Scouting For Girls bounded onto the stage with the sort of energy that made you forget that their heyday had supposedly passed. They had the crowd onside instantly, and by the time Rizzle Kicks took over, the field was bouncing like it was 2011 all over again. The duo reminded us what pop-rap sounds like when it’s fun, cheeky, and completely unpretentious. It was a perfect opening salvo; big smiles, bigger choruses, and the first hint that this weekend was going to be special.

Saturday leaned into pure indie nostalgia. The Pigeon Detectives transported us back to 2007, when jeans were tighter, haircuts were sharper, and indie disco ruled the night. Their set was a joyful reminder that guitars, when deployed with enough northern swagger, are still capable of lifting a crowd to euphoric heights. Tom Walker followed, and if the Pigeons were all youthful abandon, Walker brought heart and heft. His voice soaring over the farm, rich and gravelly, commanding the sort of hushed reverence that only a proper singer-songwriter can conjure. Then came The Wombats, who brought chaos, colour, and choruses sharp enough to slice the night in two. It was the sort of set that demanded you dance, sing, and then immediately Google when they’re next touring. Faithless’ headline set was electric and was beautifully capped by a poignant tribute to maxi Jazz during “Insomnia” that turned the field into a mid-nineties dancefloor. 

In among all of this, over in the Cheese Hub, James Buckley, Simon Pegg, and Woody Smith spun awesome DJ sets that felt like the ultimate afterparty in the middle of the day, chaotic and brilliant in equal measure.

The final day included Caity Baser, the rising star of pop, who brought a breezy confidence that felt perfectly pitched for a Sunday afternoon. Then, as the sun dipped low over the Cotswold hills, Travis took to the stage. There are moments at festivals that transcend the ordinary, and this was one of them. As Fran Healy’s voice floated across the fields with "Why Does It Always Rain On Me?", the irony was not lost, we’d been gifted pretty much flawless weather all weekend. It was spine-tingling, communal, and utterly unforgettable. To close, Alex James’ Britpop Classical wrapped the weekend with sweeping strings, guest appearances from some stars of the time, including a trip back in time with Parklife and Phil Daniels, and a celebration of the genre that made him famous. It was both tongue-in-cheek and grandiose, a fitting curtain call on a festival that understands how to end with style.

Of course, The Big Feastival is as much about food as it is music, and 2025 did not disappoint. Poor Boys’ shrimp and chicken mixed box was an unashamed crowd-pleaser among our group: smoky, spicy, crunchy, and entirely addictive. The Bab House won many a heart with their birria tacos, a messy, glorious indulgence which we waited all weekend to enjoy. Banquet 1415 brought a piece Argentina to the Cotswolds with their grilled meats, smoky and succulent in a way that would make a gaucho weep with pride. And then there were the burgers from local boys Smiths; juicy, towering creations that proved once again that simple can be incredibly delicious.

The drinks side of things was equally well covered. The Cotswolds Distillery kept us cool and just the right side of merry with their gin slushies. Cold, sharp, and refreshing, they were the unofficial currency of the weekend, clutched in both hands as we meandered back and forth to the main stage and street food stalls. It was the kind of drink that made you wonder why anyone ever bothers with lager.

But beyond the music, the food, and the drink, what really makes The Big Feastival the highlight of the year is its atmosphere. It is, quite simply, for everyone. Toddlers danced in ear defenders, parents swayed with gin in hand, teenagers screamed the words to songs that their parents had introduced them to last week, and the veterans of Glastonbury past nodded approvingly at how civilised the whole affair has become. It is joy distilled into a weekend, with the added bonus that it’s just ten minutes down the road for those of us lucky enough to call this part of the world home.

And that luck is not to be underestimated. For all the talk of acts and eats, the quiet hero of the weekend is Alex James himself. To open his farm, year after year, to tens of thousands of revellers, and to curate an event that manages to be both a world-class festival and a neighbourly gathering, is no small feat. We should be grateful, not just for the music and the food, but for the spirit of generosity and community that underpins it all. Without him, our August bank holiday would be infinitely poorer.

So, what can be said of The Big Feastival 2025? That it was sunlit, spirited, and satisfying in every possible way. That it reminded us why festivals matter: because they bring us together, make us dance, feed us well, and send us home happier than when we arrived. It was, in short, everything you’d hope for from the best weekend of the year. And until next August rolls around, we’ll all be quietly humming Wombats choruses, craving birria tacos, and wondering if gin slushies can be made at home.

Early Bird tickets for Big Feastival 2026 are on sale now - bigfeastival.com

Reigning Gallagher Premiership Player of the Season, Tomos Williams, has been appointed Club Captain for Gloucester Rugby ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Director of Rugby George Skivington has confirmed.

Since arriving from Cardiff Rugby last summer, the Welsh international has been nothing short of transformative in Cherry & White. His superb debut season not only earned him the club’s Player of the Season accolade, but also a place in the British & Irish Lions squad for their summer tour to Australia.

Commanding the game from half-back, Williams was central to Gloucester’s attacking renaissance, orchestrating play with authority while producing flashes of individual brilliance. Off the pitch, his professionalism and leadership qualities have equally impressed the Kingsholm coaching staff.

Supporting him in the role will be Vice Captains Arthur Clark and Seb Atkinson, both of whom made their senior debuts for England this summer.

Reflecting on the honour, Williams said:

"I'm incredibly proud to be named captain of such a historic rugby club. When I first arrived at Gloucester, I quickly learned how much this club means to the city and how passionate the fans are. It's been an honour and a privilege to represent them, both home and away, and to have their support behind us. We’ve got an exciting, ambitious group here, and I’m looking forward to leading them on the pitch.”


Director of Rugby, George Skivington, also paid tribute to outgoing captain Lewis Ludlow, who led the side for more than five seasons:

"Firstly, I would like to thank Lewis Ludlow for the great work he’s done as Club Captain over the past five and a half seasons. He's fully embodied what this Club is all about: passion, desire, grit, and continues to do so every time he steps on the field. He'll continue to be an important player for us, but we felt it was the right time to select a new Captain."

"Ever since Tomos came in, we viewed him as someone with lots of leadership potential, and over the past season, he's really impressed us with the way he communicates with the lads and the standards that he sets. His performances on the field and the impact he has on those around him speak for themselves. Arthur and Seb are two really impressive young men and are both already strong leaders in their own right."

Follow Gloucester this season here - www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

Bourton on the Water is the sort of village that looks like it was designed to lull you into a false sense of calm, with the River Windush trickling obligingly under tiny bridges and where tourists clutch cameras and phones as though the scenery might vanish if unphotographed for the umpteenth time. However, if you go in the middle of summer it's anything but calm. It’s also, possibly, the last place you’d expect a burger that could outshine some of London’s finest. And yet, tucked into a modest side street, Smiths of Bourton has quietly been turning patties into an art form, proving that culinary audacity often thrives where you least expect it.

The story begins in 2020, when the world collectively paused and hospitality teetered on the brink. The Smith family’s tea room closed its doors, and the sensible thing would have been to wait it out. Instead, with a leap of faith and youthful confidence, the two brothers Theo and Seb did the brilliant thing: they started serving burgers to locals from the tiny kitchen. It was a survival tactic with swagger and Smiths as we know it today was born.

In less than five years, Smiths has gone from takeaway experiments to national recognition with a much bigger kitchen. Their “MR.P” burger scooped third place at the 2025 National Burger Awards, and they were crowned Best Burger in Gloucestershire. But accolades, as the brothers would happily tell you, are just frosting on a very juicy patty. The real magic is in their 'Passionate About Patties' ethos. That passion permeates everything that the restaurant has to offer, from the service, the music and the ever-evolving menu, turning every visit into a carefully orchestrated, indulgent experience.

This year, Smiths takes on yet another stage: The Big Feastival. For something that started with a handful of buns and a pinch of optimism, this is a remarkable step. The Big Feastival is one of the UK’s most celebrated food festivals. It’s a gathering of culinary talent from all over the UK and, for us, it's great to see a Cotswolds brand taking centre stage. As well as offering a selection of their classics, the pair have been working on the Big Feastival Stack; a one-off creation designed to wow both eyes and taste buds. It’s a burger that makes a statement without shouting and one every patty-loving Feastival-goer should try.

Yet awards, festivals, and viral Instagram reels and TikToks tell only half the story. Smiths is ultimately a tale of resilience and they continue to innovate and refine their product to be the best it can possibly be. From a crisis-born experiment to a nationally recognised brand, it’s powered by sheer determination, creativity, and a healthy dose of stubborn charm and every burger served is a testament to what happens when ambition meets craft, and when a tiny village kitchen refuses to be ordinary.

The bridges in Bourton on the Water will still get their fair share of photos, but we all know the real attraction is now served in a bun.

www.smithsofbourton.com

This autumn, Cheltenham will once again become the beating heart of the literary world as The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival returns from 10 - 19 October. For ten days, more than four hundred events will fill the Regency town with the voices of celebrated novelists, poets, historians, political thinkers, chefs, comedians, actors and musicians, alongside the most exciting new talent in publishing. Now in its eighth decade, the Festival remains the world’s longest-running celebration of the written and spoken word. This year continues its Read the World theme, bringing together international voices both in person and online to explore some of the most pressing issues of our time, from the reach of big tech and the fate of free press in Afghanistan to breakthroughs in longevity research and the shifting boundaries between sickness and health.

Familiar literary greats will share the stage with fresh and trailblazing voices. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will receive The Sunday Times Award for Literary Excellence and discuss her decade-in-the-making novel Dream Count. Ian McEwan will present his speculative new work What We Can Know, and audiences will hear from celebrated international authors including Sayaka Murata, Bora Chung and Andrew Walden. Closer to home, Richard Osman returns with the fifth instalment of The Thursday Murder Club, Mick Herron delivers another twist-laden spy story, and Jojo Moyes explores the chaos of family life in We All Live Here. The relaunch of the much-loved Big Read will unite book lovers around British-Cambodian author Kaliane Bradley’s acclaimed debut The Ministry of Time, while the Festival’s New Voices programme introduces this year’s most talked-about debuts and the ever-popular proof parties offer a tantalising preview of next year’s literary stars.

The Festival has always been about more than books, and this year is no exception. The Nook on Five, Cheltenham’s rooftop restaurant, will host dining experiences with Nigel Slater and Matt Tebbutt and an afternoon with The Times food critic and columnist Giles Coren and Esther Walker who will be doing a live recording of their hit podcast Giles Coren Has No Idea. Dunkertons Taproom will provide a lively mix of spoken word, music, tastings and debates. Art lovers can look forward to Martin Parr in conversation, David Shrigley’s singular take on creativity, and Andrew Graham-Dixon’s fresh insights into Vermeer. History enthusiasts can immerse themselves in Tudor intrigue with Tracy Borman, explore the legacy of D-Day with Max Hastings, or reflect on the Silk Roads with Peter Frankopan. The Times food critic and columist Giles Coren and Esther Walker will be doing a live recording of their hit podcast Giles Coren Has No Idea, where audiences can watch the couple's hilarious kitchen routine unfold.

For families, the Return to Wonderland programme will enchant visitors with free storytelling, arts and crafts and the chance to meet the Mad Hatter in celebration of 160 years of Alice in Wonderland. Comic workshops, a new Comic Corner and the youth-focused VOICEBOX stage, offering a free programme for audiences aged 18 to 30, reflect the Festival’s commitment to accessibility and inspiration across generations. Meanwhile, conversations on current affairs promise to be as lively as ever, with Nick Clegg, Jens Stoltenberg, Cass Sunstein and Saad Mohseni among those addressing AI, geopolitics, ageing, masculinity and media manipulation. The 10th anniversary of Brexit will be marked with reflections on the forces that shaped it, while debates on democracy, identity politics and the shifting global order will offer fresh perspectives.

Classic literature will be celebrated with events marking Jane Austen’s 250th birthday and reappraisals of D.H. Lawrence, while Michael Morpurgo reflects on a lifetime of storytelling. Amy Jeffs will blend live music, illustration and myth in a reimagining of British ballads. Food and drink will be woven throughout the programme, from Tim Siadatan’s Tuscan-inspired dinner with Amber Guinness to Julia Bradbury’s health-focused dining event, and from Indian culinary explorations with Roopa Gulati and Romy Gill to an artisan cheese and cider pairing with Michael Finnerty and Dunkertons’ Alistair Duncan.

Lifestyle events will see Katie Piper and Caroline Hirons discuss redefining beauty standards, Mary Portas share her retail revolution, and Carol Klein offer gardening wisdom. Sporting legends Mark Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins, Mike Atherton and Ebony Rainford-Brent will reflect on their careers, while travel tales will come from Michael Palin’s journey through Venezuela and Sophie Elmhirst’s true story of love, shipwreck and survival. Memoir will be well represented, with Sebastian Faulks’ reflections on post-war Britain, Jung Chang’s long-awaited sequel to Wild Swans, and candid accounts from Penny Lancaster and Tulisa Contostavlos. Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason and her children will discuss music and identity, and Ed Davey will shed light on the realities of caregiving.

Science and nature will also have their moment, with Sir Tim Berners-Lee telling the story of the World Wide Web, Tim Spector exploring the benefits of fermented foods, and Lara Lewington and Charlotte Blease examining AI’s potential in healthcare. Nature lovers can enjoy Hamza Yassin’s wildlife adventures, Chloe Dalton’s lyrical Raising Hare, and Tristan Gooley’s guide to reading the natural world. Poetry will be celebrated through Simon Armitage’s first major collection in eight years, Billy Collins’ evening of wit and tenderness, and Antony Szmierek’s blend of spoken word and music. Entertainment will include live podcasts, comedy sets and music events, from Mark Kermode’s deep dive into film scores to punk retrospectives.

The town itself will transform during the Festival. Beyond ticketed events, over 30% of the programme is free, including locally sourced bookshop crawls, drop-in family activities in The Wild Wood, and live Times Radio broadcasts from the Festival Village. Visitors can browse the BBC Audiobooks tent, discover charitable initiatives in the Benefact Group Lounge, or simply soak up the atmosphere among fellow lovers of words. The Festival’s impact extends far beyond October, with its Literature for Schools programme inspiring over 12,000 pupils each year and a special 80th anniversary campaign aiming to bring cultural joy to 80,000 children, a target already halfway met.

Booking for the Festival opens to Cheltenham Festivals Members on Thursday 28th August and public booking opens on Thursday 4th September.  

www.cheltenhamfestivals.org
​
​Read The Digital Brochure HERE

Some places in the Cotswolds are so perfectly arranged you half expect to find a National Trust volunteer polishing the scones. The Straw Kitchen is not one of them.

This place is a delightful oddity in more ways than one. It feels like one of the Cotswolds' best-kept secrets that somehow everyone seems to knows about, and bar the pottery itself, the only neighbour of note is the Cotswolds Distillery a couple of miles down the road, which is a fine if your plans involve whisky before noon, but less immediately helpful when you’re seeking coffee, eggs and bacon.

In a world where cafés look like they’ve been born of a mood board, paint charts and week-long branding meetings, The Straw Kitchen laughs in the face of coordinated colour palettes. As you walk in from the car park, you are greeted by an artfully chaotic jumble of mismatched tables, chairs in a red-sided canopy tent stuck to the side of what looks like an old stone barn, half-hidden behind some plants tall enough to demand planning permission. 

Walking into the barn, you are hit the waft of coffee like the opening bars of your favourite song, a kitchen alive with clatter and chatter and a much more rustic feel with wooden beams, panels and tables. The walls are a happy muddle of art that doesn’t match, books stacked on shelves that don’t care, clay pots keeping company with yet more books, and a few old tennis rackets which, for reasons I can’t explain, look like they’ve always lived there. It's like boho-chic experiment gone gloriously right and manages to feel both thrown together and utterly deliberate. 

It was wonderfully busy and we found a small table next to an open window in the red tent. Just inside enough to be out of the direct sun of this third life-threatening heatwave of the summer, but outside enough to feel like we're not scared. The menus are all above the kitchen inside the barn so it's a case of taking enough photos on your phone to take back to the tables with you, while picking up your cutlery, napkins and bottle of organic tomato sauce on the way past.

The menu, thankfully, keeps things gloriously simple. A Paddock Farm bacon sarnie, homebaked toast, homemade beetroot relish and homegrown leaves (£7.50) or Paddock Farm eggs on toast (£6.50), again all homemade and a choice of poached, scrambled or fried. There are some extras you can add too. 

I joined the queue behind someone who was still deciding when ordering and in front of a cyclist in full lycra from a table spandexed-clad gents in the garden, settled in for their mid-ride refuel. I will never fully understand the confidence with which a grown man will stroll into a civilised breakfast wearing cycling lycra, an outfit that leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination, and order scrambled eggs as though he’s in trousers. I ordered poached eggs on toast with added bacon (+£3.50) twice and two flat whites. 

The flat white was, naturally, served in a Whichford Pottery mug. There’s something deeply pleasing about drinking from a vessel made just metres away, knowing you could wander in afterwards and take one home. The breakfast arrived, yes on a Whichford Pottery plate, with a couple of eggs ready for the runny yolk fork test with a pile of beautifully smoky thin-cut bacon and leaves on the side. Where breakfasts in the Cotswolds usually cost more than your first car, finding one for a tenner was as refreshing as the charm and character of our surroundings.

The pottery itself is just a short along the path through the middle of the vibrant garden, past the empty table that the cyclists vacated and dogs and humans sheltering under parasols and canopies. Shelves and tables are stacked with the cups and plates you just drank from and ate off and lots more you can buy, so don’t be surprised if you leave clutching a Whichford mug like it’s a trophy. There is an abundance of assorted garden pots too for any budding Monty Dons out there, with one designed in tribute to his old dog, Ned and handmade by the pottery.

We left with full stomachs, a new mug, and that contented feeling that comes from having spent a morning somewhere that matters to the people who run it. It's rare it is to find a place that manages to be both unpretentious and authentically warm. and one that wears its quirks like a badge of honour. It's a breakfast spot for those who want to be fed and not fussed over in a wonderfully  unpretentious,  relaxed atmosphere that’s welcoming without being twee.

If you like your breakfast with a bit of character, your coffee in a handmade mug, and the company of a crowd that’s equal parts dogs, cyclists, locals, and pottery pilgrims, then The Straw Kitchen is worth the detour, worth the time, and worth telling your friends about, though selfishly, you might also be tempted to keep it to yourself. 

www.whichfordpottery.com/visit/straw-kitchen

​Whichford, Nr. Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, CV36 5PG

Open: Wednesday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
​Closed: Sunday to Tuesday​

Gloucester Rugby’s 2025/26 season is set to be a thrilling campaign packed with intense matchups across the Gallagher Premiership, Premiership Rugby Cup, and Investec Champions Cup. The action kicks off early with two home fixtures in the Premiership Rugby Cup against Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears in mid-September, offering fans a taste of competitive action at Kingsholm. As the season progresses, Gloucester faces a balanced mix of home and away ties against traditional rivals and formidable opposition, including Sale Sharks, Northampton Saints, and Harlequins.

European action also makes a highly anticipated return in December, with Gloucester drawn against Castres, Munster, Edinburgh, and RC Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup, a challenging but exciting pool. Key Premiership clashes include a marquee matchup against Leicester Tigers at Villa Park on March 28th and crucial late-season games against Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons. With several fixtures still to have their times confirmed, the season promises both unpredictability and excitement, and Gloucester fans will be eager to see how the squad rises to the occasion across all competitions.

For all tickets, hospitality and any further information, visit www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

​In partnership with Gloucester Rugby
www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

Taking place from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th November, The November Meeting at Cheltenham is one of the best weekends in the racing calendar. 

This year, and with a bit of a rebrand from The Jockey Club naming the meeting "Racing's Ultimate Weekender", the unmissable three-day festival offers a thrilling mix of top-class racing, unscripted drama and an electric atmosphere.

A relaxed but competitive opener to the meeting, Countryside Day sets the tone with a blend of smart handicaps, a testing Grade 2novice hurdle, the unique spectacle of cross-country racing and the Grade 2 Shloer Chase.

After racing, head to The Guinness Village to round off a fantastic day in style.

The meeting’s crown jewel and now named Super Saturday, this is the day where Festival dreams begin. The Paddy Power Gold Cup (Grade 3) takes centre stage. A fiercely competitive 2m4½f handicap chase that often produces future Grade 1 winners. Last year’s running saw a strong field and a thrilling finish and we expect the same again this time around.

Post-racing, the racecourse comes alive with three entertainment zones. Enjoy greatest hits in The Guinness Village, crowd favourites in Tattersalls Sales Arena or a relaxed sing-along in The Centaur.

The final day also has a new name, Carnival Sunday. With six exhilarating races, Shetland pony racing and a mascot race - there's something for everyone to enjoy. It’s the perfect day to inspire the next generation of racing fans, with plenty of action both trackside and off the track. It's a celebration of all things Cheltenham and the perfect way to round off a brilliant weekend of racing.

The Greatwood Hurdle (Grade 3) is a top-tier handicap over 2m, and regularly a stepping stone to the Champion Hurdle.

Tickets start from as low as just £13 for the Best Mate and £29.50 for Club tickets. You can find the November Meeting pricing table below. As always outside of The Cheltenham Festival, under 18’s race free and must be accompanied by a responsible adult (over 18).

You can find all the information and tickets HERE.

​In partnership with Cheltenham Racecourse and The Jockey Club
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham

As British institutions go, few embody the spirit of refined celebration quite like Salon Privé. With its unique blend of motoring heritage, luxury lifestyle, and sartorial distinction, the event has come to define the modern English garden party with an immaculate blend of classic cars, cutting-edge supercars, Champagne flutes, silk pocket squares and plenty of good conversation.

Returning from 27–31 August 2025, the UK’s most prestigious five-day automotive gathering will mark its 20th anniversary within the resplendent grounds of Blenheim Palace in characteristically spectacular fashion.

This year’s event promises the most dazzling edition yet. Expect everything from pre-war grand tourers to the latest hypercars, alongside world-class brands like Boodles, Pommery, Qatar Executive and Gatineau. The newly introduced Salon Privé Gallery, a refined atrium-style pavilion overlooking the lawns, will offer guests a shaded, luxurious vantage point without losing the party’s famously relaxed elegance.

The Week at a Glance

Wednesday 27 August
The Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients opens the show with a parade of the rare and remarkable. From grand tourers to Le Mans legends, each car is meticulously judged by an international panel.

Thursday 28 August 
Concours day two sees the presentation of awards, the Concours Parade and an air of quiet prestige. It’s the perfect setting for collectors and casual admirers alike to get up close with automotive masterpieces — all while enjoying a glass of something cold and a view of something beautiful.

Friday 29 August 
One of the most anticipated days of the Season. Ladies’ Day brings elegance centre stage, as guests step out in summer finery for a chic garden party unlike any other. The Boodles Best Hat competition adds a touch of playful glamour, while a 20-year celebration of the Bugatti Veyron, a showcase of contemporary supercars and highlights from the Blenheim GT Tour ensure the cars remain just as eye-catching as the attire.

Saturday 30 August
With more than 1,500 sports, super and hyper cars descending on Blenheim’s grounds, the Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton is a celebration of passion, engineering and private motoring enthusiasm at its most vibrant. The family-friendly atmosphere offers something for every generation — whether you're into carbon fibre or chrome bumpers.

Sunday 31 August
New for 2025, Supercar Lifestyle Club Day caps off the week in suitable splendour. Mixed-marque and single-marque clubs alike display their best alongside the debut of the Concours de Vente, a judged exhibition where every car is for sale. For collectors, it’s an opportunity. For the rest of us, it’s a dream in polished metal.

Whether you come for one day or all five, Salon Privé offers an experience tailored to your taste. Tickets start from £55, with luxury hospitality options available up to £645 for those seeking the full five-star experience.

To purchase tickets to Salon Privé visit www.salonpriveconcours.com or to enter your vehicle into the Concours, complete an application at www.salonpriveconcours.com/apply-to-enter

Each summer, Big Feastival transforms Alex James's Cotswold farm into a heady weekend of live music, incredible food, and family-friendly mischief. But this year, it’s not just back, it’s back with strings attached. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or just someone who enjoys cheese with your dancefloor, here are five unmissable highlights at this year’s Big Feastival.

​WOODLAND DINNERS AND FIRE PIT FEASTS 

Dining is a serious affair here. The Big Kitchen plays host to culinary royalty, with Raymond Blanc (Friday), Simon Rimmer (Saturday) and Si King (Sunday) cooking up a storm in front of live audiences. For those in search of more immersive indulgence, Fire Pit Feasts and Lazy Lunches by Ben Quinn promise four-course revelry under canvas, with smoke, fire and finesse in equal measure.

Thursday’s Woodland Feasts will see intimate gatherings amidst the trees, serving up Cotswold-reared beef and James’ own Blue Monday cheese, a nod to terroir and tradition alike. Meanwhile, a brand-new BBQ Cook School invites budding firemasters to get hands-on with the grill, while Little Cooks with Prept keeps younger chefs entertained, informed and very well fed.
​

THE CHEESE HUB

As dusk falls, the party continues. What began as a quirky tent filled with Alex James’ cheeses has become one of the festival’s hottest nightspots. The Cheese Hub returns with a DJ line-up that’s equal parts nostalgic and wildly entertaining: Simon Pegg, James Buckley, Chris Stark, Edith Bowman and more. 
​
One of our highlights from last year was Woody Cook who returns again to The Cheese Hub on the Sunday. 
​

STREET FOOD, OBVIOUSLY 

We don't know another music festival where the food as just as popular as the music, but Feastival absolutely nails both. What sets Big Feastival’s street food scene apart is not just the quantity, but the quality.

Whether you're craving something charred, spiced, slow-smoked or plant-based, there’s something for every palate and enough variety to make even the most indecisive eater deeply content. From bao to brisket, ramen to roti, it's a global tour of bold flavours without having to leave the farm.

​THE BIG TOP

The Big Top returns as the beating heart of Big Feastival’s family fun and a vibrant hub packed with entertainment and activities for younger festivalgoers.

It's the place ypu will find Barrioke, an hour-long sing-a-long with Eastenders star Shaun Williamson. Highlights for 2025 include School of Beatbox, Mad Science Live, Little Yogi Festival Flow and Ninja Masters, promising music, movement and interactive learning. New for 2025, kids will also get to enjoy the world’s biggest bouncy castle, which will be on site for the first time.

Across the weekend, families can enjoy live shows from favourites like MC Grammar, Evie Pickerill, The Marvellous Myth Hunters and Bubblemania. Big Feastival will also welcome back children’s TV legend Justin Fletcher, Strictly star Oti Mabuse, and introduce the daring thrills of Chris Bullzini’s High Wire – a jaw-dropping spectacle high above the festival fields. This year also sees the biggest comedy line-up in the festival’s history including Lucy Beamont, Lou Sanders & Bridget Christie to name a few.


The Big Feastival takes place on Alex James' Farm in Kingham from Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th August 2025.

bigfeastival.com