I am a little bit embarrassed to admit that despite heading rapidly towards my fifth decade on this earth, I have NEVER been to any form of music festival. *runs away and hides face*
To be fair when I was younger, there weren't anywhere as many as there are now, and at the time no-one I knew seemed interested in going so that was that. I went to plenty of gigs, large and small and did lots of camping but never blended the two festival-style.
I have friends who live for the moment Glasto tickets go on sale and I see lots of mates online eagerly discussing which of the many family friendly festivals they will book. I even have have vicar friends who go to festivals with a strong Christian theme woven in with the music and fun.
If I were to finally pop my festival cherry, the one I'd go to is the one combining three of my favourite things. Music. Food. Camping.
To be fair when I was younger, there weren't anywhere as many as there are now, and at the time no-one I knew seemed interested in going so that was that. I went to plenty of gigs, large and small and did lots of camping but never blended the two festival-style.
I have friends who live for the moment Glasto tickets go on sale and I see lots of mates online eagerly discussing which of the many family friendly festivals they will book. I even have have vicar friends who go to festivals with a strong Christian theme woven in with the music and fun.
If I were to finally pop my festival cherry, the one I'd go to is the one combining three of my favourite things. Music. Food. Camping.
Yes, I'd go to The Big Feastival (proudly presented by NEFF) which once again is set to transform the Cotswolds this August Bank Holiday apparently boasting its biggest and most delicious line-up yet.
With incredible music, world-class chefs, award-winning street food and a packed programme of kids' entertainment, there really is something for everyone.
Musically, Haçienda Classical will be getting the weekend off to an electrifying start with nostalgic dance songs accompanied by a full classical orchestra plus special guests Mike Pickering, Graeme Park, New Order’s Peter Hook and Happy Mondays’ Shaun Ryder and Rowetta on the night.
Pop favourite Olly Murs tops the Saturday night bill with his chart-topping hits, and the festival will come to an epic close with British giants Madness on the Sunday. Squee!
The weekend will also feature funky hip-hop trio De La Soul, X Factor winner Louisa Johnson, along with Gentleman's Dub Club, Dodgy and Feastival veterans Cuban Brothers and Norman Jay MBE.
The Big Feastival will also be showcasing the very best of up-and-coming musical talent with the likes of Frances and BETSY taking over the stage, and an exciting new partnership with BBC Music for 2017.
Foodwise, top chefs, restaurateurs and firm family favourites will be sharing pearls of culinary wisdom in the NEFF Big Kitchen including: Rick Stein and son Jack; two Michelin star chef Nathan Outlaw; celebrity television chef Cyrus Todiwala; acclaimed restaurateurs José Pizarro, Mark Hix and Robin Gill; Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown and many more.
For those (like me) who are keen to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in, the NEFF Cookaholics Cookery School offers a hands-on experience where visitors learn how to get creative in the kitchen. What's more, the NEFF Little Kitchen, led by TV favourites Tom and Henry Herbert, provides interactive cookery classes to encourage budding young chefs to try something new.
Festival-goers who have worked up an appetite with all of that entertainment will enjoy sampling the very best in British Street Food. With a huge range of award-winning delights, every taste bud will be dazzled! I would imagine my main problem would be which dishes to sample.
This year’s event will feature festival staples and spectacular newcomers including: Smokestak, listed in Time Out's Top Ten Best Street Food; crab enthusiast and Virgin StartUp Foodpreneur winner 2015, CLAW; cult London burger joint Patty & Bun; and Crèma Caravan with their award-winning desserts that are guaranteed to sate every sweet tooth. (don't tell my diabetic nurse)
Founder Alex James (calm down ladies ) said: "It’s an honour to host The Big Feastival on the farm for the sixth year running. With the incredible line-up, there’s something for the whole family… This is going to be our biggest and best year yet. Last year tickets sold out in record time and we know it will be no different in 2017."
Dedicated to festival fun for all the family, The Big Feastival line-up means even the biggest kids will be completely spoilt for choice this summer. They can take on the Little Dudes’ Den, pop along to the Farm Park, laugh with cheeky duo Dick & Dom, delight in entertainment from children’s TV megastar Justin Fletcher and much, much more. More great news -children aged 12 and under get day tickets for free!
This year The Big Feastival is proud to be partnering with NEFF, Birra Moretti, Renault, BBC Music and Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity.
Fancy camping? A Camping Ticket includes entry to the festival on all three days and access to pitch your tent in the campsite from 9am on Friday 25th August to 11am on Monday 28th August. These tickets also include access to toilet and shower facilities’ within the campsite.
In addition to the general camping area, there is a dedicated family camping area which is available on a first come, first served basis on arrival at the festival. You can pay for camping tickets in instalments.
I personally fancy the glamping options ranging from family bell tents to luxury Yurts- most are already sold out and tickets generally are going fast so be quick and check out the website for full information on the music, food and family programmes and to purchase tickets.
