On Saturday we travelled up to the Cotswolds to check out Jamie Oliver's and Alex James' Big Feastival for the day. The drive up took us through the rather idyllic looking town of Burford and into the countryside where Alex James' farm awaited us. The drive onsite was a doddle with no queues, by the time we had arrived, just past 11a.m. A short walk from the car park took us past the camping area - of which I was little bit envious as we were just going for the day - which looked spacious and close to both the parking and the action. A big tick.
The festival site itself was nicely laid out with all the expected touches and the kiddies were soon raring to go and check it all out.
The size was ideal for a day visit, and easy to navigate with children, and as with all good festivals there was an area devoted to them - The Little Dudes Den. A favourite with my two was Adam Henson's Cotswold Park Farm where the children were able to handle chicks and rabbits, get up close with Kune Kune pigs and meet sheep, donkeys, chickens and ducks.
As we were on a farm the tractors were out to please the little kids - and the big ones. This one here was promoting the food standards of the Red Tractor label.
Obviously a big part of this festival was the food and drink and a large area was devoted to this with many stalls selling a range of delights. There were a few recognisable names but a healthy smattering of independent traders too.
Carb packed delights:
Jamie Oliver's Fish and Chips:
Doombar - I was converted to ale here!
Higgidy Pies:
Coffee vans aplenty:
Local farm produce:
Alex James' Cheese Hub:
Electrolux Chef's Secrets cookery sessions:
Celebrity chef demonstrations - Jamie Oliver & Gennaro Contaldo:
A festival wouldn't be a festival without the music and they got it right here. We chilled on the picnic blanket late afternoon into late evening partaking in some Doombar and Fish & Chips with the sounds of Dodgy, Norman Jay DJ, Lianne La Havas and Rizzle Kicks floating up from the main stage.
Unfortunately we didn't stay for the final act, Basement Jaxx, who I've heard are pretty amazing live, as we had to drive back and we were all in fact knackered after a jam packed summer. We watched the sun setting behind the stage and wandered back across the site as it transformed into the magic of a festival at night.
It was a lovely day out and a festival we would definitely consider camping at for the whole weekend experience.
For information check out the website here.
To see what Mammasaurus thought about the Sunday click here.
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Disclaimer: We received a press pass in return for a festival review. As always the words and opinions are my own.
Ah lovely photos - fellow DoomBar fan! I was impressed with the look of the camping again. We'll be back next year without a doubt, only camping so we can enjoy the ales and ciders a bit more - and there was a Gin bar too! Looks like we enjoyed the same things - ladies of taste obviously!
ReplyDeleteIt was my first Doombar and what a delight it was! I think camping will definitely add to it, and yes, the drink can flow then too :)
DeleteIt looks like you had a blast! x
ReplyDeleteWe didn't eat nearly enough food! Definitely camping next year.
ReplyDelete