Famous faces were out in force to celebrate the first Harvest festival, organised by Blur bassist-turned celebrity cheese-maker Alex James.
Prime Minister David Cameron – carrying daughter Florence in a papoose – Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson and comedian Harry Enfield were among thousands of people at the festival, at Kingham, near Chipping Norton.
Also spotted were Holby City star Tina Hobley and Mariella Frostrup, while Masterchef judge John Torode was seen snacking on a burger.
The two-day family and food orientated event also featured celebrity chefs including River Cottage chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Tommi Miers and Rachel Allen, who ran demonstrations and workshops.
Mr Cameron, who enjoyed some ‘down time’ at the festival with wife Samantha and baby daughter Florence, was reportedly turned away from one demonstration as he had not pre-booked.
Speaking at the festival yesterday, organiser Alex James said: “It has been a fantastic weekend. I am really pleased to have welcomed so many people up to the farm to enjoy the best food and music in the UK. “ A farmers’ market, pop-up restaurants and a Mark Hix Champagne and Seafood Bar also set up in the fields of Mr James’ farm over the weekend.
Among the children having fun in the hay pit was Tom Lorrimore, seven, from Pangbourne.
His mother Terri, 40, said: “It’s so nice to go somewhere where the children can have fun too. It’s great here. Good food, good music and friendly.”
Crowds were entertained by music from KT Tunstall, The Kooks, Fat Freddy’s Drop, The Feeling, Athlete and DJs Jo Whiley and Giles Peterson.
Bars were laid on by the nearby Kingham Plough and fairground rides also pitched up.
Lynne Bateman, 38, from south London, came to Oxfordshire for the weekend to join in the festival fun.
Ms Bateman said: “It’s been good. We have come here to celebrate before I go abroad. It’s quite expensive for what you get, but we have had a good time.”
Sisters Laura, seven, and Amy Kimber, 10, danced and tucked into a picnic with friends Florence, 11, and Mabel Crossley, eight, all from Richmond, in West London.
Laura said: “It’s been really fun.
“We liked playing in the hay pit.”
Mabel added: “We’ve had a really good time today.”
A sister festival, Harvest at Jimmy’s, hosted by Jimmy Doherty, also took place in Suffolk.
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