FOR 14 years he was one of the biggest and most recognisable names in rock – a popstar heartthrob whose multi-platinum selling band were rarely out of the charts.

Now, eight years after Blur first disbanded, bassist Alex James is still an icon – but this time among a different kind of fan: Lovers of good food.

This summer Alex, who lives on a 200-acre farm at Kingham, near Chipping Norton, is combining his twin passions by staging a festival with a difference – celebrating the best of music and food.

It’s called Harvest, and, the 42-year-old told us why he and his wife Claire were opening the rolling acres of their Cotswold farm to up to 10,000 revellers on each of two days.

He said: “This festival will be a reflection of my life with lots of food and lots of music.

“I think they go well together.”

The full line-up is yet to be announced, but musical highlights will include sets by KT Tunstall, DJs Gilles Peterson and Jo Whiley, and Alex himself.

Also on the bill is wealth of culinary talent, including River Cottage chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Tom-mi Miers, Richard Corrigan and Rachel Allen. The festival will also host the British Street Food Awards, gardening workshops and a cookery school run by nearby Daylesford Organic.

Children will also be well catered for – a highlight being an appearance by TV favour-ites Charlie & Lola.

Luxury camping will see festival goers sleeping in style in spacious yurts, teepees and bell tents complete with breakfast in bed and butler service.

Revellers can also feast at a farmers market, pop-up restaurants, and a champagne and seafood bar.

Alex added: “We’ll have a ‘Who’s Who’ of cookery and some amazing artists.

“I also want the community to feel a part of it and get the public and as many local businesses to get involved as possible. I live on a farm, like aging rock stars generally do.

“I love living here, though, and care more about it than anything else in the world – it’s an extension of my family.”

Dom Gomez from Harvest organiser Big Wheel said: “We’ve got some magical plans up our sleeve and we look forward to a bumper Harvest.”

Harvest takes place from September 10-11. Camping tickets are £105. For details go to alexjames presentsharvest.com