Big Feastival does it again, providing an incredible bill of food, entertainment and perhaps their best music line-up ever over the August Bank Holiday. And what an epic weekend was in store!
Despite getting off to a rocky start, our Yurt taking hours to prepare, DJ BBQ and Woody Cook made our night at Big Feastival on Friday evening, setting the tone for a stellar weekend that delivered on every front.
Within minutes of arriving we were lulled by the disco beats of DJ BBQ, who immediately lifted the mood and the tempo, as we grooved alongside a bearded dancer on stage in a gold mankini, before tucking into DJ BBQ’s infamous spit beef and fries with added mustard. Zero to hero – the toddlers on Calpol mood was instantly lifted.
Heading to the main stage to see the Joel Corry DJ set, the crowd was utterly buzzed as we danced like crazies, surrounded by toddlers adorned with ear defenders, gorgeous kids on parents shoulders, super smiley teens and a gaggle of frenzied 40 somethings, not caring how they danced. Brilliant.
The set ended at 9pm and after an espresso martini from the M&S bar, despite the crowds staying put for headliner Becky Hill, we headed towards the notorious Cheese Hub where a ridiculously energised and entertaining Woody Cook owned the room, jumping on speakers and into the crowd, having the time of his life.
We hadn’t stopped grinning, our faces ached and the tent faux pas was long forgotten as we headed to the Boutique Bar for a night cap as the entertainment continued around us.
On Saturday it was scheduled to rain solidly until around 4pm. For parents with kids, there was plenty to keep them busy though with a great spread of cookery demos and talks, Justin Fletcher (AKA Mr Tumble), circus style entertainment, kids crafting and face painting; as well as more sporting endeavours.
We began our day at the Table Sessions Nespresso Martini masterclass where we learnt to make the perfect espresso martini amidst a great gang of festival-goers, before heading over to learn more about Jack Blumental and his award winning chicken wings.
Could they compare with the award winning Back Lane Tavern‘s in Woodstock? Jack and his business partner Lee Jones gave a demo of how to prepare the beef dripping based wing-fest as served at their Ginger Wings restaurant in Marlow.
Jack spoke about the challenges of having a famous highly accomplished chef (Heston) for a father and added cheekily that he preferred his mum’s cooking. A lovely pair of guys who have accomplished so much.
We then headed to the Cornwall-based Sharps Brewery talk on beer and gastronomy and some great tastings and then sampled a Bloody Mary from the Hackney based Picklehouse, to prepare ourselves for the Ministry of Sound headliners.
Despite the heavens opening again, The Ministry of Sound Classical with the English Concert Orchestra was more than spectacular, as we sparkled the night away to 90s dance tunes!Â
Awake early on Sunday, we hot trotted it over for what turned out to be our favourite cookery demo by New Zealand chef Jude Kereama, who won food awards in London and NZ before settling in Portleven in Cornwall, some 20 years ago.
Jude prepared a mouthwatering monkfish katsu curry sauce, with onion, ginger, garlic caramelised with pineapple and a scallop, chilli and basil and coriander ceviche. We had a natter with Jude afterwards and his passion for food provenance, and slow flavour infusion was boundless, before having the best afternoon of music!!
First up, Big Feastival regular Simon Pegg who DJ’d to a party atmosphere in the Cheese Hub, followed by the biggest hits from Scouting for Girls on the main stage, the ageless Roy Stride enjoying the crowd and ensuring the all-age audience got their steps in.
And finally Alex James came on stage for a very heart-felt introduction to Jonny Marr, amidst lots of nostalgic smiles in the crowd. You forget how many hits The Smiths had. Also very cool to see how many of the assembled teens still knew his music today.
And a belter of a headliner, Snow Patrol. Lead singer Gary Lightbody is such a class act and the lighting and special video effects added to the spectacle. No surprises then that the crowd went completely nuts for Chasing Cars.
The only thing we missed out on was the silent disco. The queue was about 30 minutes long each night giving us the best excuse to ensure Big Feastival is a definite date in our 2025 calendar. Cannot wait!!
Thank you for allowing us on to your lovely farm Mr James!!
Heather Fletcher
Big Feastival 2025 runs on August 22-24. Book tickets at https://thebigfeastival.com
