Guests of Fairport Convention arrive for sold-out weekend in Oxford

A sold-out three-day folk, roots, and rock festival has welcomed its first attendees, marking the beginning of what organizers are hailing as a sell-out year. Folk rock ensemble Fairport Convention’s Cropredy Festival has once again transformed the quiet village on the outskirts of Oxfordshire into a music-loving gathering of 20,000 individuals coming together for a weekend of music.

The festival commenced on August 7 and will conclude with a final performance by the iconic folk rock band Fairport Convention on August 9, wrapping up what promises to be a memorable weekend for festival-goers. The event remains authentically “curated” by the band themselves, known for their remarkable 58-year career and continuing to delight audiences with two national tours annually.

Speaking about the ongoing festival, David Pegg, the longest-serving member of Fairport Convention, expressed his delight, stating, “It’s going incredibly well. The sun is shining, we have fantastic acts lined up for three days, and of course, there’s us. We hope to continue hosting this event every year, always in the second week of August, so come join us and thank you for the support.”

This year holds a special significance for the band as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of their album “Gladys’ Leap,” named after a well-known Gloucestershire mail carrier. This album will be re-issued and available for purchase by festival attendees, adding to the festive spirit of the occasion.

Arriving guests were greeted with music starting at 2 pm, featuring an acoustic performance by the artists themselves. The lineup for this year’s festival has returned to its roots, combining contemporary folk acts like The Salts, Urban Folk Quartet, Plumhall, and The Henry Girls with legendary musicians such as Albert Lee, Trevor Horn, and Martin Barre.

Cropredy Festival takes a unique approach by confining its musical performances to a single stage, ensuring that every artist performs to a multi-thousand-strong audience, and fans do not miss a single act. The festival prides itself on its diverse musical offerings, transcending the boundaries of a typical folk festival by featuring artists ranging from folk to folk rock and beyond. Past editions featured renowned artists like Alice Cooper, Robert Plant, Status Quo, Steve Winwood, and Buzzcocks, illustrating the diversity of music genres that festival-goers can expect.

Described as “the world’s friendliest music festival,” this year’s Cropredy Festival sold out early, showcasing the enduring popularity and appeal of this unique event among music enthusiasts.