PUNTERS were feasting on music and food in the sunshine yesterday as Blur bassist Alex James' festival kicked off.

Tens of thousands of people have descended on the rock star’s farm at Kingham, near Chipping Norton for the three-day Big Feastival.

Brit-pop stars Dodgy were one of the first big acts to take to the stage on Friday.

The band, known for hits such as 'staying out for the summer, 'if you're thinking of me' and 'good Enough' entertained the crowds in the afternoon sunshine.

Madness, Olly Murs, the Cribs and De La Soul are all set to appear over the weekend.

Food is of course high on everyone's agenda at the family-friendly event.

Head cookery tutor at Daylesford Organics James Hearfield gave some top cooking tips as part of the weekend-long programme of demonstrations.

Chefs including Rick Stein, Jamie Oliver and Robin Gill will all be showing off their world-renowned cooking skills over the course of the weekend.

For the first time this year the festival features a big fire pit, which is being used to roast meat and to keep revellers warm after dark.

There are also dozens of stalls in the food and drink market selling everything from meats and cheeses to oils and vinegars.

Street-food alley is the place to find hot food including pizzas, tacos, wraps, paella and burgers.

Thrill-seekers also took to the rides at the vintage fairground where a helter skelter, dodgems and a merry-go-round were in full swing.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail earlier in the week Alex James said: “We have more going on this year than ever – with more stages and features and a bigger area to do it all in.

"There is so much to do. Six years ago, the plan was a single sheet of paper – this year it’s a telephone directory.

“It’s the same formula though – and it’s a winning formula, though every year we ‘up the ante’.”

The festival ends on Sunday.