Seminal Folk Rockers Fairport Convention are very happy to announce their Cropredy Convention in August, and by turn marking 45 years bringing some of the biggest names in music to a quiet corner of Oxfordshire. Taking place across the 7th, 8th and 9th of August 2025, the 3 day festival of folk, roots and rock will once again transform the bucolic village of Cropredy (as well as its hostelries, waterways and pastures) into a mecca for the discerning music lover.
Fundamentally unchanged since it’s inception in 1980 – and predating other outdoor behemoths such as WOMAD, Leeds and V Festival by a decade or more – Cropredy represents an opportunity to experience a pure, untainted festival experience – free of corporate sponsors, high street chains and eye-watering prices. Still lovingly curated by the band itself, this personal touch continues to imbue the event with an atmosphere of joy and celebration – and ensures many a famous face is spotted at the festival bar or sat basking in the sunshine in front of the stage.
Having previously hosted the likes of Brian Wilson, Procul Harum, 10CC, Status Quo and Stevie Winwood – as well as lauded Fairport alumni in the form of Richard Thompson, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band – this year’s line-up sees a return to the festival’s roots. Showcasing contemporary Folk courtesy of The Salts, Urban Folk Quartet and Plumhall; bonafide legends in the form of Albert Lee, Trevor Horn and Martin Barre’s Brief History of Jethro Tull; festival stalwarts Peatbog Faeries and King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys.
Albert Lee:
Headlining the Thursday evening is the sensational Grammy Award-winning British guitarist, Albert Lee. Emerging from the rock ‘n’ roll scene in sixties, he is one of the most respected and renowned guitarists in music history and has worked with The Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris and The Crickets over his long and illustrious career.
Urban Folk Quartet:
The Urban Folk Quartet’s approach to the folk ethos is to embrace any and every influence that genuinely makes sense of their time and place, and makes sense in their music. From funk grooves to middle-eastern melodies, afrobeat to north Indian rhythms, they are unlike any folk band you have ever heard.
King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys:
Rough, tough and always rocking, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys are more than just the world’s greatest jump, jive and swing band – they’re an institution! With more than 6500 performances in 21 countries under their belt in their 30 years on the road, expect dazzling musicianship and a riveting stage performance from the Kings of Swing.
Not forgetting your hosts for the weekend, Fairport Convention, bookending proceedings with their stripped back opening set on Thursday afternoon, and epic closing finale on Saturday night. But music must always look to the future, as well as reminisce about the past and with that Cropredy is probably unique amongst major pop festivals. The opening act on Friday the 8th heralds a rather special first for the festival. For 2024, Cropredy Primary School started a folk music class and the pupils from years 4 & 6 will be entertaining the crowd with a set at noon. Cue ‘Proud Parent’ alert!
Full ticket and booking information is on the Fairport Convention website – www.fairportconvention.com
