The Big Feastival with Joules
I’ve always wanted to go, every year since its launch in 2012, The Big Feastival has been top of my festival Wishlist.
I mean, what’s not to love about a three day celebration of amazing food, music and fun for all the family?!
The event is hosted annually on Alex James’ idillic Cotswold Farm and has grown to become one of the UK’s best loved festivals.
I don’t really know why it took us so long to get to there, perhaps work, travel…the fear of camping…?
Yep, I’ve managed to make it to the ripe old age of 33 without a single night spent in a tent. Always fancied it, always been told by those that know me well that it’s a completely terrible idea and I’ll hate it.
…”You’re not really a ‘camper’ are you”…
Well…Let me tell you that I absolutely am!! OK, so maybe more of a ‘glamper’ but still… We have recently returned home from three nights Glamping at The (amazing) Big Feastival and we have had the time of our lives!!!
The trip was courtesy of one of our favourite brands, Joules. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know much we love this iconic British clothing brand.
Cheerful, practical and full of the things we love, I’m always so so proud to work alongside them.
We were asked to document our trip over on their instagram stories, to share our highlights of The Big Feastival and Joules’ lovely presence there.
We had THE BEST time, and have fallen for the festival way of life, hook line and sinker. I cant wait to share it with you….
For the days before we set off, I was constantly checking the weather forecast. After what seemed like a never ending heat wave and glorious sunshine day after day, it’s suddenly feeling quite autumnal here in Blighty. The forecast kept changing all week, until the weatherman declared we were in for a weekend of typically British ‘unpredictability’.
Luckily, Joules had very kindly supplied us with a selection of clothes and footwear to ensure we were ‘festival ready’, no matter the weather. This included the most amazing pair of Bee Wellies for me, and a matching Pack-away Poncho. A gorgeous selection of layers for the boys, like these classic Rugby Shirts, Polo Shirts and of course essential Joules printed Wellies.
We also had Sundresses, shorts and some Jumpers and fleeces…we were going to look great, whatever the weather.
Arriving at the farm on Friday evening, we parked our car and were promptly collected by a buggy and driven the short distance through the fields to our YURTEL.
Reception, which was really a very well equipped Marquee, offered us each a glass of ice cold bubbly and some fresh apple juice for the boys, who were bouncing around excitedly. The perfect welcome.
Our luggage was taken to our Luxury Yurt while we explored what Yurtel had to offer. A lovely relaxing private bar complete with comfy lounge area, lanterns and fire-pits outside. Rows of wonderfully clean loos, and individual shower cubicles with hot water. There was even a spa and “bouffantery” for getting ready in the morning.
Even more excited than when we arrived, we headed straight for our Private Luxury Yurt
WOW!
A spacious 15ft canvas hotel room, complete with king size bed and crisp white linen. Fluffy Towels, Fresh flowers and luxury toiletries. We even had eye masks, plug sockets and plenty of lanterns. In typical Joules style, we were also also spoiled with a beautiful hamper filled with treats for the weekend, snacks, sweets and fizz. All this, in the middle of a stunning Cotswold farm..camping perfection!
The music had already started so we changed into our wellies and headed for our first night at the Feastival
At dusk, the grounds were lit with rows of festoon lights and the neon glow of the rides. Delicious smelling hot steam rose from the food trucks and the drinks flowed. Families laughed and children ran free, excited. As the sun set over the rolling hills, the beat of the music filled the space...the atmosphere really was electric.
We hired a wagon for the weekend through Mr Trolley. It was fantastic for carting the boys around the festival when their legs were tired and also provided welcome shade from the sun or rain when they needed it. In the evenings we filled the wagon with blankets so that they could sleep soundly next to us while we enjoyed the music.
That first night, as the festivities wound down, we headed back to our yurt, stopping at the fire pits to warm up and toast marshmallows. It really was such a special way to start the weekend, curled up at the fire, under the stars.
That first night everyone slept pretty well, and we woke up to the sunshine pouring through the ceiling of the yurt.
Hot Lattes from the Yurtel coffee shop and a nice hot shower each and we were ready to enjoy our first full day at the festival, and what a day it was.
The food was INCREDIBLE, anything you could possibly want and all to the highest standard. We so enjoyed eating our way around the field.
Or course we visited the
store too, which was bustling and filled with families stocking up on sun hats and their famous wellies ahead of the weekend. Joules even had a welly-wanging area, where Archie won himself a pair of sunnies.
We went on all of the rides over the two days. Ollie was thrilled that at last he was tall enough to go on some of the bigger ones too.
The festival catered for families so well, always something to keep the children entertained. From the Gruffalo to Pepa Pig. An animal farm and kids zone.
The highlight for our boys was Justin Fletcher (also known as Mr Tumble). I thought Archie might be a little too old to appreciate this, but he loved it, right in front of the stage singing along, word for word. The smiles on all of the children's faces was priceless...what a treat!
I loved the music. So many amazing acts on stage back to back. We saw Basement Jaxx, Paloma Faith, Professor Green and my personal favourite...Craig David! We loved being able to stay up late and dance, drink and relax while the boys slept soundly in their waggon next to us.Every night ended with fire pits and s'mores under the stars before adding a few more layers and climbing into our nice cosy beds.On the final full day of our stay, we woke up to the most torrential rain, the kind of rain you avoid being out in at all costs. But, even this didn't out a dampener on the weekend. While it was a little tricky to take pictures (I didn't pack my waterproof case) we simply covered up in our
waterproofs and
and set about thoroughly enjoying our last day. The atmosphere was still fantastic and providing you were well protected from the rain...the festival fun could continue.
We were all really sad to go home. That's something I thought we'd never say about a camping holiday. It was one of those weekends that's over too quickly...but the memories really will stay with us forever. I can't recommend
really is a wonderful family event and one which we felt so lucky to be invited to.
, as always, were the most spectacular hosts and we were proud to be part of their team for the weekend. What an honour!If you're thinking about heading to The Big Feastival next year...We'll look forward to seeing you there!! :-)Lauren xoxThis post is written in collaboration with
. As always, all images, words and opinions are my own.
