DANCE superstars Groove Armada and pop icon Paloma Faith and have been announced as headliners for this summer's Big Feastival.

The artists will top the bill at the West Oxfordshire festival of music and food, on the Friday and Sunday nights, respectively.

The festival is hosted by Blur bassist-turned celebrity cheesemaker Alex James at his farm in Kingham, near Chipping Norton, and is jointly curated by the chef Jamie Oliver.

This will be the Feastival's fourth instalment, and will see capacity increased from 15,000 last year to 20,000 this year. For the first time it will also feature a full three-day programme of music, running from August 28-30.

More music will come from Ella Eyre, the godfather of hip-hop Grandmaster Flash, beatboxers Duke and DJ Norman Jay. Making a return after their star turn with Alex and Jamie last year, will be The Cuban Brothers.

Saturday's big-name headliner, and other acts, are yet to be announced.

The culinary world will be represented by two Michelin-starred chefs Raymond Blanc, Ashley Palmer-Watts and Nathan Outlaw, alongside Gennaro Contaldo, James Lowe, Masterchef judge Monica Galetti and Great British Bake-Off finalist Richard Burr.

Mr James said: "I can’t wait to have everyone back to the farm for three days of great music and delicious food, plus plenty of fun for the kids. It’s the perfect bank holiday weekend - and this year is set to be the best yet.”

Mr Oliver agreed, saying: "I can't quite believe we're headed for our fourth year at Alex's farm. Feastival just keeps gets better every year. It's already got an incredible line up for music fans and foodies, and I know that we'll only add to it over the next few weeks. As usual, I can't wait!"

Talking to the Oxford Mail, event manager Jen Noble said: "We are delighted to have so much great stuff lined up for this year. The music is incredible. It's our best ever line-up, and there's lots more to come."

The headliners welcomed the event's combination of gastronimic and sonic charm. Paloma Faith said: "I can't think of a better combination than music and food. I'm such a foodie and love cooking Jamie's recipes. Ever since I met him last year he has become one of my big heroes, so this really is my ideal weekend."

Groove Armada said: "The second most important thing for us when we're planning a gig, with the first being music, is where we're gonna have dinner. So on that basis this show is properly gonna go off, gourmet Groove Armada style!"

Tickets are available from thebigfeastival.com.

Bicester Advertiser:

On the decks: Groove Armada