FEASTOCK 2026

On a balmy Saturday in June, 58 Woodstock residents picked up their envelopes, put on some comfy shoes and set off across town for another Feastock, our annual safari supper and, one of my fave events of the year.

I have been involved since the beginning, when Fin Williams brought the idea to Woodstock from her home village in Devon. Five years on, it has become a much-loved tradition that perfectly captures what I love most about Woodstock - fun, food, fizz, and a community that is always willing to welcome new people.

The format is sociable and not without complexity to orchestrate! We all met at St Hugh’s Hall for a glass of bubbly, generously provided by our sponsors, Breckon & Breckon, before setting off to different homes across Woodstock. Guests visit one house for a starter, another for a main course and a third for dessert, meeting a different group of people at each stop before ending the evening together at The Crown.

What I love most is that Feastock nudges people out of their usual social circles. New residents meet long-time Woodstock families. People who have lived here all their lives get to know newcomers. Friendships are formed, ideas are exchanged and conversations happen that simply wouldn’t otherwise take place.

It is also, if I’m being completely honest, the perfect event for someone like me. I love bringing people together. I am endlessly curious about other people’s lives. OK, I am highly nosy! Feastock gives me the entirely legitimate opportunity to have a peek inside some of Woodstock’s most interesting homes while sharing a meal with people I might never otherwise meet.

Each year, we raise money through ticket sales, with half going to the West Oxfordshire Food Bank and the remainder supporting another local cause. This year we were delighted to support Sustainable Woodstock.

The evening wouldn’t happen without our hosts, many of whom open their homes to complete strangers for the first time. Nor would it happen without the volunteers who help organise it. Nic Lacey, Heather Fletcher and I take on the main load but countless people jump in. Special thanks must also go to Breckon & Breckon for their continued support, and to Steve Eaton-Evans whose Trump impersonation promotional skit had me howling with laughter. You can see it on our social media pages. I defy you not to laugh.

For me, Feastock is a reminder that community isn’t something that just exists. It is something we create together, one shared meal, one conversation and one open front door at a time.

We’ll be back next year. If you’d like to join us, follow Feastock on Instagram (feastock_woodstock) to keep up to date.