( feature )
L GRILLED THE CRUMBS INTERVIEW James Alex
He’s one of this country’s best-known bassists, a TV presenter, columnist, director and award- winning cheesemaker. (He even has a rather interesting Tumblr page dedicated to him.) But, at the end of this month, Alex James is
co-hosting the UK’s most exciting new food and drink fest, here in the Cotswolds. LAURA ROWE speaks to him ahead of The Big Feastival
54
ike many farmers in the South West, Alex James has had to diversify over the years. But while some landowners chose to race
alpacas or knit angora rabbit throws, this reformed rock star has opened up his 200-acre north Cotswold farm to one of the biggest food and music festivals in the UK – not to mention the powerhouse that is Jamie Oliver. It’s the second time that Electrolux- sponsored Big Feastival has been hosted at the Oxfordshire farm, and this year will see some of the biggest bands, most exciting chefs – and even Justin Fletcher from CBeebies – taking part. “Justin was a real coup booking,” says Alex. I first met Alex at the launch for
the festival in June. He’s been here in Kingham, only a few miles from Daylesford, for the past 10 years with wife Claire. “Claire and I bought the farm on
our honeymoon,” explains Alex. “I remember when I got the keys; it was completely derelict, there were birds living in the house. It was like a ruin. [The previous owner] was a beef farmer and had been hit by foot and mouth and it was a wreck. It was beautiful but completely silent. “I’ve spent the last 10 years, with
all my might, struggling and pushing and shoving to turn it into a paradise. And the idea of it being filled with the best chefs in the world, wonderful music and 15,000 smiling faces is the realisation of a dream, really.” Ticket sales are already up on last
year, which saw a staggering 10,000 people wandering around his home each day – helped, no doubt, by the increase in camping spots and the impressive entertainment. “Putting the band line-up together
took a lot of work, and I’m really pleased with the way it turned out,” says Alex. “My kids love Rizzle Kicks, so we had to have them, and I think Mark Owen will go down well with the Cotswold ladies. We’ve got a really good mix of established and up-and- coming stuff.” And that applies to everything from the music – with the likes of
crumbsmag.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68