Pretty villages, stunning walks across rolling hills, and charming pubs and restaurants that ply you with welcoming smiles and Sunday roasts… these are things we’ve come to know and love about the Cotswolds, but that’s not all you can expect from a visit to this storybook stretch of countryside.
Proclaiming ‘good music, good food, good times’, it’s safe to say that The Big Feastival offers everything we love about festivals – even an idyllic setting on a farm in the Cotswolds!
Back for 2024 between Friday the 23rd and Sunday the 25th of August, this festival welcomes you to bask in the sounds of the UK’s top artists as the lineup delivers act after act of head-banging – and yes, toe-tapping – music, follow your nose to the food tents that serve up mouth-watering treats and fascinating demos you can recreate at home, and whatever you do, make sure you check out the ringside entertainment, which promises hours of fun for every age.
Ready to feast your eyes, ears, and taste buds on this bogglingly fun festival of epic proportions (and portions)? Here’s our guide to The Big Feastival in 2024…
The music
Every great festival has a whopping lineup of superb acts and The Big Feastival is no different. With some seriously big names taking to the stage in 2024 – including Natasha Bedingfield, Cat Burns, and Snow Patrol – there really is something for everyone over the course of the three-day fanfare.
You’ll find most of the big names on the main stage, where waving your arms in the air like you just don’t care is completely encouraged – as is singing along at the top of your lungs!
There’s also a family-friendly silent disco where everyone can get their groove on as well as some absolute tunes blasting in the Cheese Hub - we’ve got our Lycra at the ready!
A scattering of stages ensures every taste is met, from cheesy hits to up-and-coming talents, so whichever stage or tent you find yourself dancing in, you’re in for a great time.
The food
With a name like The Big Feastival, it’s safe to say you won’t be going hungry during your time there – unless of course you have trouble deciding what you want, which is a real possibility with the dizzying number of mouth-watering and belly-rumbling options to choose from.
From BBQ to brownies, curry to waffles, and pizza to paella, the words ‘spoilt for choice’ have never rang so true as a veritable army of Michelin starred and world-famous chefs and street food vendors descend on the festival to keep your hunger well and truly at bay.
With all the dancing you’ll undoubtedly be doing, you might find yourself in need of a refreshing bevvy or two. Well, a number of lip-smacking bars will be there to well and truly wet your whistle. Choose from an eye-popping array of breweries, ciders, cocktails, and wines, with a fantastic focus on local fare.
With so much tempting food and drink on offer, it won’t be long till you’re wishing you could recreate some of these moreish dishes at home… enter the cookery demos! Incredible bakers and chefs will be on-hand throughout the festival to offer tips, tricks, and recipes through a variety of demos, workshops, and tastings, giving you the chance to kick your nosh up a notch. You’ll find a great mix of demonstrators from famous duo Andi and Miquita Oliver to internationally acclaimed chefs like Raymond Blanc OBE.
The entertainment
Whether you head to the main arena or the Udder Field (that’s not a farm pun but its actual name), you’re in for an udderly mind-blowing array of entertainment – ok, that one was a pun!
Rhys James will be bringing his irreverent comedy to The Exchange, while the Woodland Spa beckons for moments of total tranquillity. Crafts and workshops run throughout the festival, offering the chance to try your hand at something new while recharging for your next dance.
To keep the little ones entertained, head over to Big Fish Little Fish for a family-friendly rave takeover or Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park for some adorable little animals. Over the three days, you’ll also find a whopping selection of fun-filled activities from the circus skills to arts and crafts to tree climbing!
Planning your time at The Big Feastival
Running over three days and with day passes or weekend tickets available, there are lots of options when it comes to making the most of The Big Feastival.
The festival itself is being held on musician Alex James’ idyllic farm near Kingham, which is nice and easy to get to whether you’re going by car, train, bus or taxi. If you’re staying in one of our beautiful Cotswolds cottages, you can book taxis to and from the festival, which has its own taxi pick up and drop off point.
Once at the festival, there are lots of food and drink options for the whole family as well as toilets and accessible facilities. Families can pick up some festival essentials, including ear defenders for the little ones, and the parents’ pitstop provides a place to get everything sorted, from nappy changing to warming up food in the microwave.
Check out The Big Feastival’s website for more information on what to expect when you’re there.
Excited to dance the weekend away at The Big Feastival? Check out our lovely cottages in the Cotswolds and start planning your magical stay today.
