Published: Friday, 4th April, 2008 9:49am

Cadbury to milk the Big Chill again

by David Knox

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A SUPER furry animal from Peebles has been added to the line-up of one of the world"s best-known music festivals.

Cadbury - a 19-year-old stuffed toy - will receive VIP treatment when he returns to the Big Chill in August.

And many of the headline acts such as Leonard Cohen, The Buzzcocks and The Mighty Boosh are likely to be queuing up to have their photos taken with the cuddly creature.

Cadbury"s sudden rise to fame came following his appearance at last year"s Big Chill at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire.

Best pal Peter Gordon was working on one of the catering units at the festival - and to spice up the weekend he decided to snap Cadbury enjoying itself.

As well as being photographed with several of the stars, the gatecrashing Grizzly also posed on the main stage, in the green room, with security guards and other revellers.

Cadbury"s pal Peter told the Peeblesshire News: 'I started working at a few festivals last summer and my son, Tom, packed Cadbury inside my rucksack.

'I thought it would be a bit of fun to photograph Cadbury all over the place to show my son how he had a good time.

'He became really popular at the Big Chill and everyone wanted their picture taken with him.'

As well as receiving an All Areas Access badge the bear was invited to several after-show parties by stars such as soul legend Isaac Hayes.

Since returning from the festival circuit Peter exposed his bear"s exploits on his Headset Disco website.

And organizers of the Big Chill festival soon heard about the panda-monium - adding Cadbury"s story to their own popular website.

Peter added: 'We were contacted this week by the Big Chill people asking if Cadbury would like to be part of this year"s festival.

'I"m working at another event but a friend has agreed to go down with Cadbury. They"re both looking forward to it.'

Local photographer Craig McGuire will escort the stuffed celebrity to this year"s Big Chill in August.

And the bear will receive VIP treatment throughout the weekend celebrations - and could even be making his own appearance on the main stage.

A spokesman for the festival told us: 'Cadbury has grabbed everyone"s imagination at the Big Chill.

'We are delighted he has agreed to come back this year.'