If you’d told me a few weeks ago that I’d be spending a weekend surrounded by gladiators, gourmet oysters, and a saxophonist who seemed to teleport between food stalls, I’d have assumed you’d been at the mead again. But Big Feastival 2025 delivered all that and more—an unforgettable three-day celebration of sound, flavour, and family-friendly fun that turned the rolling hills of Alex James’s farm into a technicolour playground for 25,000 lucky festival-goers.
The weather gods were clearly on side. Warm, dry, and just overcast enough to keep the sunburn at bay (unless you’re Travis, who learned the hard way), it was the kind of festival forecast you dream of. Families rolled in with buggies, wagons, and wide-eyed kids who were soon bouncing on the world’s largest inflatable castle or shrieking with delight on the swing ride that looked terrifying even to seasoned thrill-seekers.
Camping options ranged from rugged tents to plush mobile homes, but we opted for the offsite drive-in approach—easy parking, friendly staff, and zero stress. The site itself was brilliantly laid out: a 20-minute stroll could easily become an hour-long adventure thanks to the irresistible pull of food stalls, side shows, and spontaneous dance-offs.
Let’s talk food. Big Feastival isn’t just a music event—it’s a full-blown gastronomic extravaganza. From wood-fired BBQs and fresh oysters to churros, loaded brownies, and milkshakes that could double as dessert buffets, the sheer variety was staggering. Chef demos brought culinary royalty to the stage, with Raymond Blanc and Si King (of Hairy Bikers fame) whipping up dishes that had the crowd salivating.
And for those brave enough to dabble in the extreme, ‘Crazy Bastard’ hot sauce was on hand to melt faces and spice up enchiladas. The covered market area was a treasure trove of quirky finds—bubble gear, jewellery, sweets, and even a tail-fitting station for the more flamboyant festival creatures.
The arena buzzed with colour and chaos: dodgems, helter-skelters, axe throwing, and a big wheel that offered panoramic views of the madness below. Costumed revellers roamed freely—frogs, dinosaurs, and toga-clad gladiators added a surreal twist to the scenery, often earning shout-outs from amused performers on stage.
One standout moment? The tightrope walker on Sunday afternoon, who had the crowd gasping and cheering in equal measure. It was pure spectacle, and the kind of unexpected delight that makes festivals like this so magical.
From pop sass to Britpop nostalgia, the lineup was a genre-hopping joyride. The main stage saw Scouting for Girls whip up their signature singalongs, Rizzle Kicks spark a crowd-wide vocal battle, and Mabel deliver powerhouse vocals that reminded us why she’s pop royalty. Brooke Combe’s soulful set added a Scottish twist, while Nelly Furtado soared with a voice that could part clouds.
Faithless turned the arena into a euphoric dance floor, honouring Maxi Jazz with a stunning video tribute. The Wombats, Daniel Bedingfield, and Caity Baser kept the energy high, while The Cuban Brothers toned down their usual smut (sort of) for the family crowd—‘Kenny the Pastor’ and ‘Double Pleasure’ were cheeky nods to their usual adult-themed antics.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s glittering set climaxed with ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’, sending the crowd into pop heaven. Travis, sun-kissed and sentimental, closed Sunday with a golden-hour performance that felt like a warm hug. And the Amy Winehouse Band? Spine-tingling. A beautiful tribute that had the tent packed and hearts full.
The Cheese Hub was the place to be for DJ sets and celeb sightings. Simon Pegg spun techno tunes with surprising flair, James Buckley faced chants of “Bus Wanker” with good humour, and Woody Cook’s chaotic set was a glorious mess of theme tunes and mashups. Upstairs, the VIPs mingled—Graham Coxon, Alex James (bouncing like a toddler on a sugar rush), and even the finance guy from Clarkson’s Farm made appearances.
Above it all, Britpop Classical (with a full orchestra) made its debut with Alex James introducing legends like Saffron (Republica), Gary Stringer (REEF), and Phil Daniels, who led a raucous rendition of ‘Parklife’ that had the whole field singing.
Big Feastival 2025 wasn’t just a music event—it was a multi-sensory celebration of life, laughter, and togetherness. Whether you were dancing with your toddler, sipping cocktails in the VIP lounge, or people-watching from a shady bench with a loaded brownie in hand, there was something for everyone.
It ticked every box: music, food, thrills, shopping, spectacle, and above all, community. If you missed it this year, don’t make the same mistake twice—tickets for 2026 go on sale soon at www.bigfeastival.com. Early bird deals will fly, so grab yours and get ready to feast again.
Until next year, Big Feastival—thanks for the memories, the madness, and the magic.
