Big Feastival: Where Music, Michelin & Merriment Collide

As summer draws near, festival lovers and foodies alike are setting their sights on one of the UK’s most unique cultural celebrations: Big Feastival. Taking place from 28th–30th August 2026 on the rolling pastures of Alex James’ idyllic Cotswolds farm in Kingham, Oxfordshire, this three-day extravaganza has become a highlight of the British festival calendar, not just for what’s on stage, but for every sense it ignites.

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More Than Just a Festival

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Imagine Glastonbury’s communal spirit infused with the world of gourmet food, that’s Big Feastival in a nutshell. Founded by Blur bassist Alex James, the event marries headline grabbing music with Michelin star chefs, award-winning street food stalls, hands on culinary demos, family fun and pure countryside charm.

At its core, Big Feastival is built around three pillars: Good Music, Good Food and Good Times, and from the sound of the 2026 lineup, all three are set to be served in generous helpings.

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Headline Acts to Raise the Roof

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This year’s headliners read like a love letter to festival diversity. On Friday, electronic pioneers Basement Jaxx will kick things off with their energetic beats and festival anthems. Saturday sees British rap-garage icon The Streets bring his inimitable storytelling and rhythm to the Main Stage, while Sunday closes the weekend with indie favourites Bastille delivering their emotionally charged hits.

But the music doesn’t stop there. Throughout the weekend, multiple stages will host a mix of established artists, DJ sets, and surprise special guests, all set against a backdrop of golden fields and summer skies.

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A Feast for the Senses

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While the music might draw you in, it’s the culinary offerings that keep people buzzing long after the last encore. Big Feastival boasts a robust food programme featuring acclaimed chefs, live cookery demonstrations, pop-ups and a vibrant street food market. Whether you’re into rustic comfort food or cutting-edge gastronomy, there’s something to tantalise every palate.

For aspiring cooks, interactive sessions like the Little Cooks Kitchen and full-on cookery classes add a playful, educational twist to the foodie fun, making the festival perfect for families and solo adventurers alike.

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Family First, Festival Vibes Always

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Big Feastival has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most family-friendly festivals. With dedicated kids’ zones, workshops, storytelling, arts and crafts, and thoughtful amenities like nappy-changing stations and quiet feeding spaces, families are welcomed with open arms.

Meanwhile, adults can sip locally brewed ales, soak up live podcasts, enjoy comedy sets and relax beneath the leafy Cotswold skies, all while feeling part of a vibrant, inclusive community.

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Beyond the Weekend

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For those seeking a little extra luxury, boutique camping options turn your weekend ticket into a full-blown escape, complete with comfy beds, private bars, and premium facilities. It’s festival living with a touch of glamour.

Big Feastival isn’t just an event, it’s a celebration of life’s finer things: music that moves you, food that delights, and memories shared with friends and family amidst the beautiful English countryside. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a curious first-timer, there’s never been a better reason to spend a long August weekend dancing, dining and laughing in the fields of the Cotswolds. 

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For all the latest on what’s happening in the Cotswolds, check out What’sOn?XL in CotswoldXL Magazine.