Foodie fan Jaine Blackman donned her apron for Alex James and Jamie Oliver’s ‘biggest and best garden party’

The Big Feastival attracted thousands of people from all over the country to Blur musician turned cheesemaker Alex James’ Oxfordshire farm near Kingham at the weekend for what may well be the world’s biggest and best garden party.

Hosting the three-day celebration of food and music with celebrity chef friend Jamie Oliver, they provided fun for all the family.

Headline acts were Groove Armada (Friday), Dizzee Rascal (Saturday) and Paloma Faith (Sunday) but there was plenty more besides.

Other musical highlights on the eclectic Saturday line-up were provided by veteran Grandmaster Flash, hot pop act Ella Eyre, Example and DJ Wire. And on Sunday the women reigned supreme (unfortunately in the rain, after Saturday’s lovely sunshine) with The Feeling being joined by a pregnant Sophie Ellis-Bextor who delighted with Murder on the Dancefloor and Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love).

A funfair, hay bales to climb on, activities and a climbing wall and sandpit at the Renault stand gave youngsters plenty to do and there were even musical acts geared to them with children’s TV star Justin Fletcher AKA Mr Tumble appearing on the main stage on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s the ultimate fun weekend,” said Jamie Oliver, clearly enjoying himself as he and Alex took a hands-on approach, mingling with festival-goers, giving talks and demonstrations, DJing and introducing acts.

“Me and Alex are like Ant and Dec,” he joked. “I get to call this work but it’s not at all.”

For those who didn’t fancy the main stage music, the Udder Tent offered alternative live acts and at the Alex James’ Cheese Hub you could taste and buy all of his award-winning artisan cheeses; it had an all-day bar which held wine and beer pairings and a cocktail masterclass, and great DJ sets were provided by Sarah HB with appearances from Alex James, and Jamie Oliver.

Elsewhere, you could try tai chi, yoga... or knitting. Or go celeb watching: famous visitors included TV presenter Amanda Holden, model Kate Moss and F1 driver David Coulthard.

The AEG kitchen and Weber Grill Academy gave visitors the opportunity for some hands-on experience, while there were demos from top chefs including Raymond Blanc, who owns Le Manoir in Great Milton, and MasterChef judge Monica Gelatti.

And, of course, there was a plethora of stalls offering dishes from around the world from roasted corn on the cob to lobster rolls... everything but turkey twizzlers!