TUCKED away in a sleepy corner of the Cotswolds, Alex James is gearing up for a rather large dinner party.

The former Blur bassist turned cheesemaker is set to host a third festival at his Kingham farm with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Food and music will come together in one melting pot at the Big Feastival.

There will be performances from Basement Jaxx, Rizzle Kicks and KT Tunstall along with chefs Gennaro Contaldo, Valentine Warner, star of TV’s The Little Paris Kitchen Rachel Khoo and Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin.

Local producers including Donnington Trout farm, Bensons Totally Fruity and Love My Cow will also be selling their produce and there will be a variety of other entertainment.

Sitting on a hay bale at his farm, the father-of-five said he couldn’t wait for this year’s event. He said: “It’s an amazing line-up for such a small festival.

It’s just one big dinner party. I absolutely can’t wait.

“The response from local food producers this year has been staggering. It feels like the local people are really behind it. The Cotswolds is a real hotbed of niche artisan producers.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to get together and show the rest of the world and everyone who lives here how brilliant it all is.”

Since falling in love with the Cotswolds nearly 10 years ago and buying the 200-acre farm while on honeymoon, the rocker has worked hard to turn the once derelict farm around.

“I absolutely love it, it’s my pride and joy,” he said. “The idea of filling it with amazing music and wonderful food and lots of friendly faces just makes me want to get up in the morning.”

The rock star is also relaunching his Blue Monday cheese at the festival and will be serving up a cocktail made with an unusual ingredient.

“I’ve discovered a recipe for blue cheese margarita,” he added. “I think it will slay everybody.”

The Big Feastival takes place on Saturday, August 31, and Sunday, September 1. For information and tickets visit thebigfeastival.

com