AFTER two years of cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic, the longest-running music festival in Oxfordshire has returned.
Fairport’s Cropredy Convention was set up and is still run by the folk-rock band Fairport Convention who are still based close to the site near Banbury.
The 41st anniversary of the evening is returning tomorrow (11) for three days with an eclectic line-up of acts from the worlds of pop, rock and folk music.
READ MORE: Fairport Convention's Cropredy Festival reveals amazing line-up
Organisers of the family-friendly festival say the event is back “bigger, better and more blissful than ever”.
The line-up for tomorrow (11) from 4pm until 11pm includes:
- Fairport Convention
Host band Fairport Convention will open the festival with a short acoustic performance, and then take the stage again on Saturday to play the headline closing spot.
- Thumping Tommys
This London-based bluegrass outfit plays barn-storming blues-infused Irish, American and English folk music.
- Edward II
Cropredy favourites Edward II play a fusion of world music, folk and reggae, blending the rhythms of the Caribbean with traditional British songs.
- Clannad
Multi-award winning Clannad has arguably done more than any other band to bring Irish music to a worldwide audience.
- Trevor Horn Band
Trevor is one of the most influential producers in popular music, and has worked with Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Grace Jones, Pet Shop Boys, Seal and Robbie Williams, amongst many others.
READ MORE: Truck Festival 2022 review: 'You can always rely on Truck'
The line-up for Friday (12) from 12pm until midnight includes:
- Maddie Morris
Cropredy will present a set by singer-songwriter Maddie, winner of the 2019 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award.
- Emily Barker
A Cropredy debut for this acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose repertoire encompasses Americana, country and folk.
- Home Service
Co-fronted by John Tams and John Kirkpatrick, Home Service is one of the UK's best-loved folk rock groups.
- Martyn Joseph
Legendary Welsh singer/songwriter Martyn returns to Cropredy with his compelling and passionate music, spellbinding voice and songs of lyrical intelligence.
- The Slambovian Circus of Dreams
Hillbilly meets Pink Floyd in this surreal New York band. Rootsy psychedelia from the coolest corners of Americana.
- The Sharon Shannon Quartet
Irish musician Sharon is known for button accordion, fiddle and whistle. Springing from Irish folk, her music reveals wide-ranging influences.
- Turin Brakes
Indie folkrockers Turin Brakes are making their first appearance at Cropredy. They have seven studio albums and a million record sales to their credit.
- Steve Hackett – Genesis Revisited
One of Britain's most accomplished and celebrated guitarists returns to Cropredy. Steve draws on influences as diverse as jazz, world and blues to recreate the unique sound of prog-rock legends Genesis.
The line up for Saturday (13) includes:
- Seth Lakeman
Mercury nominee Seth will get the day off to a flying start with material from his new
studio album Make Your Mark
- Holy Moly & The Crackers
Fronted by vocalist Ruth Patterson, this Newcastle sextet mixes British folk with sizeable dollops of rock'n'soul, indie, balladeering and a touch of psychedelia.
- The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican
This comedy folk and parody band from Barnsley completely stole the show when they played Cropredy in 2018 and they are back by popular demand.
- Rosalie Cunningham
Rosalie is an English singer/songwriter with a distinct style who has appeared on Later with Jools Holland and supported Jack White's UK tour.
- Matthews Southern Comfort
Fronted by ex-Fairport singer Iain Matthews, MSC plays melodic laid-back Americana.
- Richard Thompson
Fairport co-founder, guitar legend and acclaimed songwriter Richard will play a full solo set. He will also perform with his erstwhile bandmates in their closing set.
- Fairport Convention and guests
Saturday's traditional extended headline set from Fairport will include the band's 1970 line-up playing the whole of Full House in album order plus the current line-up performing a wealth of material old and new.
Organisers have warned festivalgoers about the amber weather warning issued by the Met Office from tomorrow (11) until Sunday (14).
On the festival’s website, it says: Preparations are well under way but as you have heard everywhere, it is going to be very hot.
READ MORE: Met Office issue EXTREME heat warning for Oxfordshire
“Please bear this in mind and keep hydrated, the tap water in the arena has been passed safe for drinking, not just you, but your four-legged friends too.
“You'll find the taps along the fence line. We are placing bowls by the arena taps for our four-legged friends but if you can find an alternative to bringing your pooches, please do.
“And please make sure you have plenty of factor 50. It is going to be hot - did I mention that?”
For more information, or for tickets, visit: fairportconvention.com
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Read more from this author
This story was written by Gee Harland, she joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.
Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland
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