Big Feastival 2022 - Live Review

We arrived in The Cotswolds on Sunday for the final day of Big Feastival, which had already been in full swing for two days. This was my first time bringing the family along, and I was excited to see how the festival’s reputation for being family-friendly would hold up. From the moment we entered, the atmosphere was vibrant, colorful, and welcoming. The sight of so many children running around with bubble guns and face paint was reassuring - we fit right in and didn’t have to worry about annoying anyone with our own bubble-gun antics!

This was the 11th outing of the festival, and from what I’ve heard, it’s been learning and improving year on year. The site was packed with activities and entertainment, so much so that we struggled to explore all corners during our one-day visit. From the Little Dudes’ Den to the food stalls and the main stage, there was something for everyone, and we’re already planning to return next year to tick off the areas we missed.

After spending a few hours exploring the Little Dudes’ Den, we headed to the main stage to catch Gabrielle rolling back the years with a hit-laden set. The Dreams singer was full of energy and charm, attracting a large crowd as she regaled stories of her 30-year career.

Her set was a feast of feel-good numbers, including Out of Reach, Sunshine, Rise, When a Woman, and Give Me a Little More Time. I’d forgotten just how strong her back catalogue is! Gabrielle’s upbeat performance was the perfect soundtrack to a sunny Sunday afternoon, leaving the crowd smiling and singing along.

One of the festival’s standout features was its food offering, and we couldn’t resist diving in. It seemed like everything you could possibly want was available, and the quality was excellent. While queuing for food, we caught a glimpse of the Alex James Cheese Hub, which was packed with people dancing to none other than Dom Joly on the decks. Just your typical Sunday afternoon DJ!

Back on the main stage, we were introduced to a new young talent: Lola Young. Nominated for the BBC Sound of 2022 and known for her stunning performance on the 2021 John Lewis Christmas advert, Lola brought a South London vibe reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and Adele.

Despite apologizing for a sore throat, Lola wowed the crowd with her soulful voice and raw talent. It’s clear she’s destined for big things, and I’m excited to see where her career takes her next.

Sub-headlining the day was Nottingham’s Jake Bugg, who reminded us all that his self-titled debut album turns 10 this year. Having seen him on his initial tour, it was incredible to see how far he’s come.

Bugg opened with last year’s upbeat summer tune Lost, followed by Kiss Like the Sun and Slumville Sunrise, which got the crowd off their chairs and appreciating his talent. He slid through back catalogue favorites like Seen It All, Two Fingers, and Lightning Bolt before closing with All I Need, sending the crowd happily on their way.

The final act of the day—and the weekend—was none other than Welsh rockers Stereophonics. Still going strong after 25 years, the band, fronted by Kelly Jones in his signature leather jacket, took to the main stage just after 8pm to a packed-out field.

They opened with Do Ya Feel My Love? from their latest album Oochya! before flowing into C’est La Vie and I Wanna Get Lost With You. With a back catalogue as rich as theirs, it must be hard to pick a setlist, but the band delivered hit after hit. Jones took time to chat with the crowd before launching into classics like Maybe Tomorrow, A Thousand Trees, Have a Nice Day, and Handbags and Gladrags.

The evening ended with fan favorite Dakota, leaving the crowd buzzing and singing along. Stereophonics proved once again why they’re one of the UK’s most enduring rock bands, delivering a tight, energetic performance that capped off the weekend perfectly.

The festival was well attended, with 25,000 people enjoying the weekend’s lineup. Previous days were headlined by The Human League and Anne-Marie, with notable performances from Sugababes, The Sherlocks, Sam Ryder, and Basement Jaxx.

This was a fantastic day out for the whole family, and the festival’s family-friendly atmosphere made it even more enjoyable. We’ll definitely be back next year to explore more of what this wonderful event has to offer. Until then, we’ll be reminiscing about bubble guns, great food, and unforgettable performances.