The Big Feastival 2024

The Big Feastival 2024, set against the picturesque backdrop of Alex James' farm in the Cotswolds, was a vibrant celebration of music, gourmet food, and family-friendly activities. With a diverse lineup of artists and an array of culinary delights, the festival offered something for everyone. This year’s event was particularly memorable, blending unforgettable musical performances with delicious food and activities that kept even the youngest festival-goers entertained.

Friday: Music, Burgers, and Festival Moments
The festival’s first day was a mix of energetic performances and touching moments. 86TVs opened our day with their fresh, indie sound, providing the perfect start to the weekend. As we explored the festival grounds, the kids discovered Lizzie’s Way Wild Play, where they spent hours in the mud kitchens, crafting, and playing to their hearts’ content.

Later in the day, Ash brought their signature rock sound to the stage, performing classics like "Girl From Mars" that resonated with fans both old and new. As the afternoon sun began to set, Natasha Bedingfield delivered a set filled with pop hits, including “Unwritten” & “These Words”. One of the weekend’s first magical moments occurred when Natasha brought her son on stage. The two sat together on the edge of the stage as she sang to him, creating a touching scene that melted the hearts of everyone in the audience.

The festival’s culinary offerings were as impressive as the music. Nanny Bill’s burger and chips were a highlight—juicy, flavourful, and satisfying, providing the perfect fuel for the evening ahead. With the kids content from their adventures, we settled in for the evening performances.

Circa Waves took the energy up a notch with their indie anthems, including the ever-popular “T-Shirt Weather.” As night fell, Joel Corry’s DJ set turned the festival into a massive dance party, but it was Becky Hill who truly stole the show. Her powerhouse vocals were on full display as she belted out hits like “Better Off Without You” and “Remember.” In a surprise move, Becky brought Natasha Bedingfield back on stage for a mash-up performance that had the crowd roaring with excitement.

But, we were not done yet. A quick hop over the Alex James’ Cheese Hub had us rolling back the years with none other than Judge Jules on the decks. Essentially in an open fronted posh barn that was 10 deep outside, the crowd were on good form.

Saturday: Eclectic Sounds and Culinary Delights
Saturday’s lineup offered a diverse mix of performances that catered to a wide range of musical tastes. Hak Baker opened the day with his raw, acoustic storytelling, setting a mellow tone that gradually built throughout the day. Kate Nash followed with her quirky charm, delivering crowd-pleasers like “Foundations” that had everyone singing along. The heavy rain storm during her set did nothing to dampen the audience.

As the day heated up, so did the food. I ventured to Sireli Falafel for a lunch that was as flavorful as it was satisfying. Their falafel with maple tahini zhug, topped with extra halloumi, was a standout meal that perfectly complemented the day’s activities.

The afternoon saw performances by Cian Ducrot, whose heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery captivated the crowd. His song “All For You” stood out as a powerful moment, showcasing his ability to connect with the audience on a personal level.

Later, the festival featured a show-stopping performance by Cat Burns, one of the Mercury Prize-nominated artists this year. Cat's soulful voice and relatable lyrics have made her one of the most exciting new talents in the industry. Her hit song “Go” was a particular highlight, as her voice resonated deeply with the audience, solidifying her status as a rising star. A cover of Wheatus Teenage Dirtbag had her finishing the track saying “I bet you weren’t expecting me to sing that”.

As the evening approached, Jax Jones transformed the festival into an open-air nightclub, with pulsating beats that got everyone moving. The night concluded with an extraordinary set by Ministry of Sound Classical, blending classical music with iconic dance tracks in a performance that was both sophisticated and nostalgic, leaving the crowd in awe. This was an amazing throw back to my early memories of dance music which, coupled with the laser’s, was an amazing way to finish the day.

Sunday: Family Fun, Sweet Treats, and Snow Patrol
Sunday was all about balancing family fun with top-tier musical performances. Jalen Ngonda opened the day with a soulful set that set a relaxed tone for the afternoon. His rich voice and smooth melodies were the perfect way to start the final day of the festival, captivating early attendees with his blend of classic soul and modern sensibility.

Scouting for Girls then took the stage, bringing their infectious energy and catchy tunes like “She’s So Lovely,” which had everyone dancing. By midday, it was time for a bite to eat, and Poor Boy’s “Chicken Tender’s” did not disappoint. Crispy tasty chicken with garlic mayo was the perfect festival food to keep us going.

The day also featured an impressive set by CMAT, another Mercury Prize-nominated artist this year. Known for her witty lyrics and unique blend of country and pop, CMAT brought a playful yet deeply relatable energy to the stage. Her performance of “I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!” was a fun, sing-along moment that added a unique flavour to the day’s musical offerings.

Ella Henderson, known for her powerful voice and emotive performances, was another highlight. Her rendition of “Ghost” was a festival standout, showcasing her vocal strength and ability to captivate an audience. Her set was a mix of emotional ballads and upbeat tracks, leaving the crowd wanting more.

For dessert, we indulged in Project D doughnuts, which were as delicious as they were visually appealing. Soft, fluffy, and topped with just the right amount of sweetness, they were the perfect treat to enjoy while listening to the music.

As the day drew to a close, Johnny Marr delivered a masterful performance, playing classics from his time with The Smiths, including “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,” which resonated deeply with the audience. The festival concluded with a breathtaking set by Snow Patrol. Their performance, filled with emotionally charged hits like “Chasing Cars” and “Run,” provided the perfect ending to a weekend full of unforgettable moments.

Final Thoughts
The Big Feastival 2024 was more than just a music festival; it was a celebration of life’s greatest pleasures—good music, delicious food, and cherished moments with family. Whether you were there for the headline acts, the culinary delights, or the family-friendly atmosphere, this year’s festival delivered on all fronts. It’s no wonder that The Big Feastival continues to grow in popularity, offering something for everyone and leaving festival-goers counting down the days until next year.


Photo credit: Russ Fujak