Blur bassist Alex James may have left behind his wild rock star days, but he is once again opening his lavish 200-acre Oxfordshire cheese farm for a unique festival this summer. The Big Feastival, now in its 15th year, returns over the August bank holiday weekend, blending music, Michelin-star cooking, and family entertainment.
A Life Transformed
Now 57, James reflects on his past with the iconic Britpop band, describing it as a whirlwind of “travelling, boozing, and sha**ing.” However, his life today is markedly different. He shares his picturesque Cotswolds farm with wife Claire Neate and their five children, aged 15 to 21. The couple bought the 200-acre property on a whim during their honeymoon, moving from London shortly after.
“I needed an anchor,” James tells OK! magazine. “Family and kids ground you. What’s hilarious when you’re 25 starts getting a bit sad when you’re my age.”
From Britpop to Britpop Classical
James now produces his own brand of English sparkling wine and artisan cheese on the farm. He also performs with Britpop Classical, a show that reimagines 90s hits with a full orchestra, which he says “seem to resonate more with people today than when they were written.”
Despite his quieter life, James still enjoys performing. “I’m really enjoying Britpop Classical. And with Blur as well, why wouldn’t I want to keep playing with Graham, Damon, and Dave for the rest of my life?” he says.
The Big Feastival
The festival concept was born with help from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, after they met in a Comic Relief band. “Jamie and I really hit it off,” James recalls. “He said, ‘You’ve got a farm. You love food. I love music. What about doing a food and music festival?’”
This year’s lineup includes Bastille, Basement Jaxx, and Rudimental. The festival features 30 stages, including a Fire Pit stage and Big Kitchen for cooking demonstrations, plus children’s entertainment from Justin Fletcher, aka Mr Tumble. James explains, “When you have a family, spending quality time with them becomes the most precious thing in the world.”
Family and Legacy
James uses his own wild party days to guide his children. “You’ve got to give them their heads. The French approach to eating and drinking is the best one: don’t guzzle, just enjoy yourself,” he advises.
He praises Oasis’ recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame but downplays Blur joining them. “It was really nice getting Blur back together in 2023 and seeing that those songs have found a whole new audience. Both Blur’s and Oasis’ music seem to mean more to more people than ever before.”
As for his own future, James lives by the quote: “If you fail, fail again and fail better.” For now, failure seems far from his agenda.
