A ROCKER turned cheesemaker has secured the talents of top singers and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver for a new music and food bash.

Alex James, the Blur bassist, is hosting the Big Feastival – two days of food, music and family entertainment – at his Kingham farm.

The event is in aid of The Jamie Oliver Foundation and runs on Saturday, September 1, and Sunday, September 2.

There will be music from chart singer Paloma Faith and bands Texas, Razorlight, Noisettes and the Guillemots along with a big top, fete games, a gardening area and dance competitions.

Best-selling author and television chef Valentine Warner, Gennaro Contaldo from BBC’s Two Greedy Italians and Emily Watkins of the Kingham Plough will all be making an appearance.

Jamie Oliver, Theo Randall, Simon Rogan, Bruno Loubet and Val Warner will also be doing cooking demonstrations.

Last year, previous festival Harvest ran into trouble when its promoter Big Wheel Promotions announced it was in financial difficulty, leaving Mr James and others, including Kingham Primary School, out of pocket.

Mr James’ latest festival has a new promoter, however.

He said: “I’m very happy to welcome such a great event as The Big Feastival to my farm. As a local producer myself I’m particularly excited to host a festival that not only involves the local community, but also supports Jamie’s foundation.”

Meanwhile, the hunt is on for five of the best local food producers and small companies in Oxfordshire who will each be awarded one of five free producer spaces at the festival.

Entrants must complete an application form at jamieoliver.com/thebig f e a s t i v a l / h o m e g r o w heroes by Friday, July 27, and the winners will be announced on Friday, August 3.

For details and tickets visit thebigfeastival.com.