You Are Here: HOME / News / Cropredy Convention News
Cropredy Convention News (Viewing page 1 of 34 )
Download your own Cropredy 2010 Poster!!
Added
2010-03-04 12:30:34
The Mick Toole designed Fairport's Cropredy Convention 2010 poster is now available for download.
To download your own Cropredy poster (and those going back to 2005) please click here.
Cropredy Tickets On Sale Now!!
Added
2010-02-12 11:06:05
Tickets for this year's Fairport's Cropredy Convention 12 - 14 August and the Woodford Halse Social Club warm-up gigs 9 & 10 August, are now on sale from our online store.
Remember - earlybirds not only make great savings but each of the first 2000 orders also receives a complimentary Cropredy Car Sticker.
From the feedback we have received, we think this is going to be a very busy year so PLEASE order your tickets early. More...
Since we sold all our tickets in 2007, we would advise all of you to buy your tickets as soon as you can. We hate turning people away!
For Cropredy Festival tickets please click here.
For Woodford Halse warm-up gigs tickets please click here.
The ticket prices are as follows:
Pre June 1st:
Thurs/Frid/Sat - 3 day tickets £85
Frid/Sat - 2 day tickets £75
Sat only - 1 day tickets £55
June 1st - July 31st:
Thurs/Frid/Sat - 3 day tickets £90
Frid/Sat - 2 day tickets £80
Sat only - 1 day tickets £60
After July 31st:
Thurs/Frid/Sat - 3 day tickets £95
Frid/Sat - 2 day tickets £85
Sat only - 1 day tickets £65
Camping (per vehicle)
3 Day £30
2 Day £25
Saturday Only camping is free
As usual, camping is also free for Motorcyclists and backpackers.
Close Story- Have your say about this article (Add Comment)
- View Comments (24 Comments)
Name: Phil Drackley
Comment:
Just checked comments from last year and there are some complaints about people standing up (and 'jigging')! Another person suggested no entry to camping fields without relevant day's tickets. I agree entirely with that. Last year, a group of YOOFS (you can tell I'm getting older, can't you?) without wristbands arrived on foot Friday evening and placed their small tents right by the edge of the field. They always seemed to be there, even when bands were on. (We had to return to our van occasionally to retrieve forgotten items and hardly ever checked by security.) When they left, there was a large pile of rubbish, mostly bottles. But at least there weren't noisy (well, after 2am, anyway).
Name: Moz
Comment:
Sorry need a chair, bad right knee and bad back... Too much fell walking (falling?) But understand where people are coming from on this .Perhaps we all need port and starboard lights showing at the ends of our rows of chairs (Certainly help me back from the bar!). Despite said infirmities determind to rock out to the Quo (If only to embarass the kids!)Peace
Name: Trevor
Comment:
Agree very much with Phil, I personally cannot now sit on the ground or stand for very long periods, 'old age' and a bad back make this virtually impossible, so a fairly comfortable chair lets me enjoy the festival I love. What seems to be the problem are the people who turn up on the field late and try and fill the gaps of those who have been on the field since it opened. If you arrive early and are part of a large party of people (Cropredy friends)it is customary to set up either in a line or couple of lines, so that you are with your friends. Plenty of space is normally left for people to go up and down the lines, however this is invaribly filled by late comers who do not want to set up further up the field and therefore encroach causing the blockades and coralls. Incidentally, I ordered my tickets at 9.30 Monday not received them yet, money has cleared my bank however.
Name: ken jones
Comment:
ordered tickets on the first, arrived the third,can't get much better!
Name: Jan
Comment:
They must be really busy! We bought our tickets at lunchtime on the 1st and they're not here yet. :(
Name: Paul S Billingham
Comment:
Anyone else having trouble with getting there tickets ordered via Paypal? Transaction appears to complete but nothing - no activity shown or any confirmation emails?!
Name: Phil Drackley
Comment:
There is already a limit to the location of chairs! There should be none a few feet forward of the sound tower - the line is obvious and usually well-patrolled to move on transgressors. When I started coming to Cropredy chairs were very much in the minority, now it appears most people are bringing them (myself included, sadly). If only people could be persuaded to keep in lines, to allow access to food & loos, it would be wonderful. All too often, after about 20 yards someone has created a dead end (another poster called it a corral), leading to a massive back-tracking and detour. No wonder so many groups use flags (my pet hate) to help members back to base camp! (BTW: Ordered tickets about 4:30am on the 1st - arrived on the 2nd. That's what I call service!)
Name: Sue Stanton
Comment:
Great line up cant wait to see the Quo. Last time I danced to on my radio by selecter I was about 19! Suggestion on chairs,why not have an allocated area,ok chairs are ok in the day but come nite you just cannot see where you are going,plus it gets quite busy down at the front. See you all in August
Name: Greengenghis
Comment:
Well, I like to rock out and I like to folk about. And, thanks to Cropredy, I've recently discovered I like to reggae around. And I particularly like to do a mix - a weekend of just rock or folk would be too much. So I'll be there: got my tickets first thing Monday. See all you grebos, folkers, skankers, dreadies and drinkers there!
Name: Rob Stanley
Comment:
It's the time of year to make my mind up about which festival to go to. As usual it's a toss up between Croppers (my prefered choice) and Green Man. Green Man have signed up Joanna Newsome & The Unthanks and Croppers have Status Quo Mmmmmmm Decisions, decisions
Name: Nick Garner ( Charity Nick)
Comment:
Wow what a line up this year not to be missed. One of my all time favorite bands Little Feet amazing I was lucky enough to se them with the late Lowell George what a guitarist. I cant wait well done with the great bookings.
Name: Viv Gale
Comment:
I know the chairs are a pain for some people but for others they are necessary. I for one would be in a lot of pain if I sat on the floor all weekend and probably wouldn't be able to go,and I am sure there are others worse off than me. Live and let live I reckon. Please don't ban the chairs!
Name: Alison
Comment:
Can't believe the tickets went on sale this early in the morning{1:05} Was about to go to bed but I'm too excited now. Can't wait for August it's an awsome line up. Thanks guys for organising what looks like being the best festival yet, lets hope the weather does its bit now. See you then :)
Name: andy watt
Comment:
10 past midnight, just bought our tickets ! Can't wait for the friendliest festival in the world, see you all there!!!
Name: Bill
Comment:
So keen this year I have already purchased my ticket 12.00 pm. See you all there.
Name: Phil Drackley
Comment:
My wife has difficulty walking and we tried to get to park our campervan as close to the gate as we could. We were not able to get very close due to the volume of vans already there but were told that if we had mentioned the problem beforehand, 'arrangemants could have been made'. To whom do we mention the problem?
Name: Tim
Comment:
Any chance of Thursday day tickets this year
Name: Bill
Comment:
Pauline Black "FANTASTIC" speaking as a Coventry Kid, cannot wait for this years gathering. Will be the 1st time we are going to arrive by narrowboat just cannot wait for August, just hope us regular Fairporters can get tickets.
Name: Jeb
Comment:
Good line up sounds good ! Easy All stars are great ! Little Feat , never seen but classic era band and i always like them . Quo , well theyre great ! I used to get totally legless to them at their gigs and dance like a nutter all nite ! not sure i can do that nowadays as it was 30 yrs ago, but great to bring back the memories ! Hope Maddy Prior joins them ! Rick wakeman, great , good line up ! Like someone else , I am fed up with all the chairs ! I kept falling over them last year , and found my self 'coralled' in a circle of them once when i was just trying to walk to the bog ! I was stuck in a circle of chairs ! get rid of them please !!!!!!!!!!
Name: Moz
Comment:
Fabulous lineup! Can`t fault it ,I`ll be ordering my tickets March 1st!!!
Name: Emma Davis
Comment:
Am so looking forward to this year's festival!!! Its going to be absolutely amazing as usual!!! Bring on the sunshine! Recently purchased a Ukelele ...... Every1 should get one and bring it to Cropredy!!! they are fantastic!!!!
Name: Owen
Comment:
same as usual for kids ??
Name: Kerin
Comment:
Rick Wakeman totally brilliant and thank you thank you thank you thank you for getting the brillian Richard Digance for the Saturday lunchtime slot. Cropredy Fest wouldnt be the same without him
Name: Oz
Comment:
Little Johnny England! Hurrah! And though I'm far from being a Quo fan, they're great live. It'll be interesting to see how Wakeman does at a festival, too.
View all comments (Total number of comments - 24 )
Close
Cropredy Line-up Finalised!!!
Added
2010-02-11 15:39:09
THURSDAY 12 AUGUST:
We are proud to announce that the fabulous STATUS QUO will be headlining Thursday 12 August at this year's Cropredy Festival. Congratulations to Francis and Rick who were awarded their 'gongs' in this year's New Year's Honours.
One of the major acts from the 2-TONE Ska record label - PAULINE BLACK of THE SELECTER - will be performing for the first time at Cropredy. Ska is currently seeing something of a revival and we welcome Pauline Black and her band. More...
Local girl (Deddington) and former Woodworm Studios work experience girl, who has certainly gone on to make her mark in the music world the wonderfully talented THEA GILMORE will be singing with her band on Thursday afternoon - and we are all huge fans.
Local band LEATHERAT have been coming to Cropredy for many, many years but rocking crowds everywhere else. It just didn't seem right - so we changed it! Check them out on Thursday afternoon.
Fresh from their Special Guest slot on Fairport's Winter Tour 2010, the wonderful KEITH DONNELLY & FLOSSIE MALAVAILLE will be opening up the festival for us on Thursday.
FRIDAY 13 AUGUST:
The mighty BELLOWHEAD will be closing proceedings on the Friday night. Bellowhead recently picked up the BBC Folk Award for Best Live Act, 2010 so we know we're in for a treat!
The amazing LITTLE FEAT will be crossing 'the pond' to join us in the field. This classic band featuring Paul Barrere - Guitar / Vocals, Sam Clayton - Percussion / Vocals, Kenny Gradney - Bass, Richard Hayward - Drums, Bill Payne - Keys & Fred Tackett - Guitar / Mandolin / Trumpet, will be playing at Cropredy for the first time and we can't wait! Full details to follow.
Also crossing the pond, the USA's stunning young country bluegrass outfit, THE DIXIE BEE-LINERS will be wowing you on Friday afternoon. Check out their excellent new recording 'Susanville'.
Joining the Bee-liners on the Saturday afternoon, we have the welcome return of LITTLE JOHNNY ENGLAND. LJE have a new CD 'Tournament of Shadows' out right now on Talking Elephant records.
We have been inundated with requests for 3 Daft Monkeys to return to the festival since they did a 30 minute set in 2008. Who says we never listen? 3 DAFT MONKEYS, alias Tim, Athene & Jamie, will be returning to Cropredy to play a full length festival set on Friday 13 August.
As always, we feature the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Musician of the Year Award Winner which this year is the multi-talented JAMES FINDLAY.
Also representing Wales, the wonderful six piece MABON fronted by ace tunesmith Jamie Smith will be entertaining one and all on Friday afternoon.
Another local (Banbury) act and opening up the Friday's entertainment are THE TINDALLS. Stuart, Paula and their daughters Kathryn and Sarah are already a big noise in the local folk scene.
SATURDAY 14 AUGUST:
FAIRPORT CONVENTION & FRIENDS will be closing the Saturday night with their traditional 3 hour show packed with your favourite songs and tunes plus a few surprises. Last year we tempted Yusuf out of retirement to play with us. What treats do we have in store for you this year?
Warming up for Fairport in the annual 'solo' slot, Welshman MARTYN JOSEPH makes a very welcome debut on the Cropredy stage. Currently on tour in the USA, we have finally managed to tie him down to a Cropredy appearance.
Raising the tone for Saturday evening, legendary keyboard maestro - RICK WAKEMAN will be bringing his ENGLISH ROCK ENSEMBLE to the Cropredy stage. Rick performed his classic 'Six Wives of Henry VIII' last year at Hampton Court. What does he have planned for us? With Fairport following soon after, just how many Grumpy Old Men can one stage take?
EASY STAR ALL STARS's inventive re-working of classic material has produced three of the best-selling reggae albums of the last decade: 'Dub Side of the Moon', 'RadioDread' and 'Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band'. Internationally acclaimed and with a worldwide following, this fantastic dub-and-reggae collective has played in over 25 countries on six continents.
Another Martin, THE MARTIN TAYLOR QUARTET will be treading the Cropredy boards on Saturday afternoon. What can we say about this astonishing virtuoso guitarist? Well for a start, he's got his own iPhone app! Check out his website for details.
Patsy, Ewan, Calum, and Donal, collectively known as Scotland's BREABACH, will be performing on Saturday afternoon. Check out their latest recording 'The Desperate Battle of the Birds'.
And of course, Cropredy just wouldn't be the same without one man. Thankfully, RICHARD DIGANCEhas booked us once again for his regular Saturday lunchtime slot.
Remember. Tickets go on sale on March 1st. We are expecting a busy turn out so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Close Story- Have your say about this article (Add Comment)
- View Comments (63 Comments)
Name: Phil Drackley
Comment:
You could always try to find some of the bods who only want Thursday night tickets and do a deal. On a more practical note, Quo are only on Thursday. Buy a Fri/Sat ticket and spend the saved amount on some chill-out products.
Name: Jon
Comment:
Paul - If you don't like the fact that Status Quo are in the line up that much - don't buy a ticket. Simple as that. There will be more space in the field for the rest of us. How can you judge a whole three day festival on one band? Fairport - who are very very hands on with the organisation of Cropredy by the way, do an amazing job selecting the line up every year. Some bands you may already know and like, others you may be surprised at. Personally - I have not heard of the majority of the bands this year, but am looking forward to sitting in the field with friends, enjoying the atmosphere, and hopefully finding some new music to enjoy. And if I don't like what I hear that much - I will wander into the village or around the stalls. But at the end of the day - don't bother posting such purile comments in the future - they only make you look stupid.
Name: Paul
Comment:
Status Quo at Cropredy? No thanks. The festival has gone downhill over the past few years anyway, so I'm not surprised to see these idiots booked. Fairport Convention who have openly criticised such bands for years at the very same festival are now aging, monarchist sucking hypocrites. ("Rick and Francis with their New Years gongs!"). Not only has this ruined 2010. It also ruins the whole reputation of the festival. Cancel them if you want me to buy a ticket. I suspect that Fairport are only after money nowadays anyway as they are not involved in organising the event anymore. I have sat here wondering about it and can honestly say, I cannot think of anything worse. I shall stay at home and rip my toenails out in the bath with pliers as it will be more enjoyable than listening to Status Crapo. Up yours Fairport!
Name: andrew
Comment:
So who bothers about the line-up? The only act I've ben seriously interested in over the last four year was John Martyn RIP, but I've still managed to have a fantastic time and discover a whole load of new (and old - Dreadzone for one) stuff along the way. Can't stand Quo, but can't wait to see them!
Name: Mick Fisher
Comment:
I like Quo and saw them about 3 years ago - very enjoyable night it was too. I am surprised they're doing Cropredy, but that's what makes Cropredy so interesting. I recall seeing Procul Harum there a few years back and they were far from 'folk', but it seemed to work. As for the rest of the line up, Thea Gilmore and Martyn Joseph are two of my favourites. If anyone fails to be moved by Martyn's song 'Cardiff Bay' they have no soul (in my ever so humble opinion of course!!!)
Name: Chris
Comment:
Whilst I'm a Quo fan and am looking forward to seeing them at Cropredy I can't help but feel that the festival is moving away from its roots and the vibe that made it what it is today. The line up suggested by Yorkie below would be almost perfect!! Throw in a few contemporary folk-tinged acts such as Fleet Foxes among the old favourites and we'd have a classic Cropredy to look forward to. In recent years it has been fun to have Buzzcocks, Nik Kershaw etc but you can see these at many festivals over the summer months and I feel that their inclusion has been at the expense of some fantastic acts who would fit the bill perfectly. How has Kate Rusby never appeared for one? Please don't let this unique festival lose it's way and become another run-of-the-mill British festival with an identikit line up.
Name: Yorkie
Comment:
Cropredy is moving further away from the 'roots' acts it initially promoted. Nike Kershaw, Midge Ure, Status Quo, Glenn Tilbrook etc. I appreciate that there are other festivals where local folk music can be heard but Cropredy is betterknow/higher profile than a lot of the 'minor' festivals that it's a shame that mainstream rock artists - that have audiences at non-folk venues - have to 'infiltrate' Cropredy. Would like to see more Kate Rusby, Rosie Doonan, Eliza Carthy, Kat Gilmore/Jamie Roberts, Kathryn Tickell which would still 'pack 'em in' without resorting to mainstream rock artists. Grumpy old sod? Moi?
Name: Tim
Comment:
Martin Joseph!! Anyone who writes a song called 'Dolphins make me cry' needs a slap in my opinion!!!
Name: Tim
Comment:
Could you swap Thursday and Saturday around? There is nothing at all that appeals to me on the Saturday apart from Fairport and that is the only day I can make this year. Seriously thinking about not bothering!!!
Name: Gareth
Comment:
Hi Windjammer. I think you'll agree Bellowhead and Little Feat is a double header, much the same as Seth and Richard were last year. We just had to have a think who would be best to close the show. Last year the Richard and Seth order worked well and I know Bellowhead will do a great job closing the show this year. Sorry for any confusion.
Name: Windjammer
Comment:
So who's closing Friday, Bellowhead or Little Feat ? This page says BH, mailshot says LF...
Name: Fiona Sharp
Comment:
Great eclectic line up! Thank you for booking 3 Daft Monkeys, saw them last year at Glastonbury, they were fab! Very excited now! Dont forget to book the sunshine :)
Name: Robin
Comment:
I had a chat not long ago with Maddy about recording AAMH with Quo for their album 'Don't Stop'. She is considered by both Rick and Francis as one of the finest singers this country has produced and is long term friends with them. All mates together – that’s what Cropredy is about isn’t it?
Name: jimmy
Comment:
So RT is doing live dates in the US for a live album and Croperdy gets SQ ? Time to ring some changes, in the vowels at least?
Name: Phil Drackley
Comment:
To Chris P: Status Quo & Maddy Prior - All Around My Hat - 1975. As featured on 'Got You Covered' (2001)
Name: Phil Drackley
Comment:
Status Quo at Croppers?? Excellent! Would LOVE to know which side came up with the idea. Are they doing a signing session? Little sis would go purple with envy if I got their autographs before her!
Name: Robin
Comment:
It will be a Quoin sell out, get your tix early!
Name: John B
Comment:
I have to say that my heart sank with the news that Status Quo will head Thursday's bill. I am a Cropredy perennial (every concert since '79) and consider myself to have pretty catholic tastes, but it was finding an alternative to the tuneless racket purveyed by Rossi & co that drew me to Fairpport in the first place! When the hint of a "big name" act to close Thursday's bill was circulated, I allowed myself to dream that it could be Ray Davies, after Peggy's appearance with him at Glastonbury last year. Surely Ray's usual outpouring of the Kinks'greatest would be a preferable party alternative to what we are now about to receive. Regardless of my forebodings, I'll be there, and will give Quo the opportunity to prove me wrong. Congratulations, however, for booking The Selecter and Easy Star All Stars - a great time awaits! As for Rick Wakeman.... as my mate in Boton said yeaserday - I would have preferred his brother Seth.
Name: Tony
Comment:
I was 18 and stuck in my bedroom revising for A levels in 1976. The phone rang a friend had a spare ticket for Quo at the Liverpool Empire but I had to be there in an hour. Quo weren't worthy enough for me, who wants to listen to stuff like that when I could blow my mind with Amon Duul, or Faust or other such ethereal stuff. To help a mate out I went, witnessed what I still regard as one the best concerts I've ever seen and learnt a big lesson at the same time. I've seen them several times since. This is fun, party music best enjoyed live. Give it a go. I thought Cropredy rocked to Dreadzone, but Quo will that pale by comparison
Name: andy ralphs
Comment:
I saw Little Feat for the first time two years ago at Trowbridge and they were brilliant never owned an album at that time, now have a few cant remember if i have heard them on the radio in the last twenty years either so they may well be a nice discovery for many amongst the Cropredy crowd, as for sense of occassion standing up against the old stuff I wouldnt waste 10p on a blank cd to burn a copy on to, as for the Quo cant make it on the Thursday anyway the Quo are on and i would rather have a good nights sleep.
Name: Tim
Comment:
LEATHERAT!!!!!!! thank you, thank you, thank you. I have been nagging on this website for the last couple of years to get this band on the stage. I'm so glad you have finally listened!! The new album is a master piece. They really will go down well. Also nice to see Pauline Black. I have seen the Selector many times over recent years and have had the pleasure of meeting Pauline on most occasions. A very friendly and very talented lady. I think this year is going to be the best Croppers for many years. I really can't wait!!!!
Name: Jill
Comment:
It's great to see that Pauline Black will be appearing this year. She is one talented lady. I can't wait to see her getting the Cropredy crowd skanking to some ska. I'll be down the front for sure!!! Thank you Fairport for booking a 2Tone artist, How about booking The Specials next year?!
Name: Neil
Comment:
I have been rash...Will also be delighted to see the announcement of the Dhol Foundation, the Leisure Society, the Peatbog Faeries (watching field erupt when 'Folk Police' is played would be a classic Cropredy moment relayed to grandchildren for the next 50 years), Engineers, Brian Eno, Owen Pallett and Vampire Weekend.
Name: Neil
Comment:
Thanks for the words of support Loz, the chairs, popup tents and all the other junk that people bring into the field to obscure the view and trip over in the dark drives me nuts. The recent addition of the roped off 'seclusion zone' is a welcome improvement but I would still like to see it pushed back another 10-15 feet. Re. the music, all I want from the bill is artists that are still making vital records, one of the reasons that I like Fairport so much is that their recent releases are as solid as the stuff the did through the 60's, and 70's. Songs from 'Over the next hill' and 'Sense of occasion' are just as welcome as 'Unhalfbricking' and 'Angel Delight'. How many of the Quo and Little Feat fans on this board have actually bought any of the stuff they have released in the past 20 years (and live albums and Best of...records don't count). Fairport - There is still a chance to pull the fat from the fire, please book at least 2 of the following: James Yorkston, Stornoway, Florence & the Machine (even 40 something men can dream...swoon), Mumford & Sons, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Midlake, Levellers, Lau, Bell Orchestre, Massive Attack, Leo Abrahams, Jon Hopkins, Portico Quartet, J Tillman, The Acorn, Woodpigeon or Sweet Billy Pilgrim - Hmmmm, seems I don't just like folk music...
Name: Chris P
Comment:
Maybe if Quo could be persuaded to wear some dodgy knitwear, stick their finger in their ear and do 'All Around My Hat' then everyone would be happy? :-)
Name: Loz
Comment:
I am with you, Neil. Aged bands which appear to plicate all those aged fans who sit on chairs and block your view. I will be in Red Lion and Brazenose again.
Name: Robin Shaw
Comment:
I'm even getting excited looking at the pic posted above, and I have already seen them 53 times since 77!
Name: Rosie Logan
Comment:
What is it with all you moaners, complaining about Quo? They were as seminal in the 60s and 70s as Fairport or any of the other 'dinasaurs' you adore. As always Fairport are putting on a huge and diverse line-up; that's what they're good at, putting on three days of music for everyone, not just died-in-the-wool folkies. Hour for hour you're not paying that much to see world acts - stop bellyaching! If you aren't cool enough to get-on-down to Quo with the rest of us you should just retire to your firesides with your ancient 12-strings (yes, and your vinyl albums!). I reckon that'll be one of the best nights of the festival and visitors to Banbury will get plenty of pounds to the ounce when our own Leatherat get up on stage! Can't wait. Thanks Peggy & Co.
Name: Ian
Comment:
Grumpy old men on stage? Looks like there will be quite a few in the audience!! Not a big Fan of Quo, but broadminded enough to stay and listen. I know I will enjoy them. Rick Wakeman - a dream come true, especially if he does 'King Arthur'. Most of the other acts I have never seen, or in some cases even heard of. But I will be there, cheering the good and maintaining silence at the rubbish!! If this was purely a 'Folk' Festival, the field would be half empty and that year would probably be its last. I like the mix and even though some acts leave a lot to be desired (in my opinion) I still give them a fair go to prove me wrong. Nik Kershaw was one - to me he was excellent. Any anti-Digence element, please give us an alternative instead of bitching. He sets the day off brilliantly. I hope he has a go at those dissidents again!
Name: Josh Whitford
Comment:
What a line-up! Im not a massive Quo fan but i think they will be great to watch! Good Shout about Stornoway and we need Frank Turner aswell!! It's not just a folk festival it needs to expand and the broader the music the better the weekend will be!
Name: shaun
Comment:
bloody hell just cost me a fortune to get bmw serviced probably have to flog it to pay for tickets lift for 4 from south yorkshire anybody?
Name: Chris
Comment:
"Is there anybody out there who wants to Rock?" If Francis & Rick can be persuaded to play the 17-minute version of 'Forty-five Hundred Times' a la the 1977 'Live' album my life will be complete!!
Name: Andy Ralphs
Comment:
I cant say I am a fan of the Quo but surely a great end to the first night if your up for a sing song and a party, I have to agree with other contributors there are some wonderful folk acts out there but this is a festival for everyone not just the folk 'police' personally i cant stand Richard Digance so its off to the Brasenose for a lunctime beer for me. A great lineup with something for everybody. Looking forward to 26th Cropredy lets hope the weather is as good as the line up.
Name: Mark O'Neal
Comment:
Quo at Croppers, a dream come true! I can't wait! Well done Fairport.
Name: Robin
Comment:
The Quo have been nominated and won the best festival feel good factor band many times in the past. Whether you like them or not, you will certainly feel good after their performance! Turn the PA to 11!
Name: Paul C
Comment:
Though it have folk roots, Fairport's Cropredy Convention is a music festival, a celebration of music and as greatly demonstrated by this years line up, of different cultures. I believe Fairport have hit the nail on the head once again. Well done you!
Name: Ferrero
Comment:
Why can't we have Richard Thompson instead of Status Quo?
Name: Ferrero
Comment:
Status Quo? An early April Fools joke surely? I am so dissapointed. There are so many brilliant folk musicians out there, why do we have to have Status Quo? I usually contact friends and family to encourage them to come to Cropredy but I'm embarassed to say that Status Quo are playing, I'd be mortified if they thought that was reflective of my taste in music, or the kind of band I'd been going to see at Cropredy for the last 25 years. Who on earth thought that was a good idea?
Name: Neil
Comment:
Oh no, it looks like I will be missing Cropredy again this year. I did not pitch in 2009 as the bill was not strong enough and I spent my money instead on attending the Beautiful Days festival (which was excellent, apart from the weather). 2010 again contains too many dinosaurs still trading on a heyday long in the past . Bellowhead will be excellent (they always are live) and some of the young bands like Breabach who I saw last year at the 'Big Session' festival and Mabon are decent. I am pleased to see some Oxfordshire bands getting the call but where are Stornoway? The best band in the county and who are going to be massive once their debut album is released next month. I can but hope that the as yet unannounced acts are massive and relevant, producing great new music otherwise my cash will be going to another festival again this year. The early bills for Wychwood and Green Man both look promising but I am going to miss my Fairport fix...<sits back and waits for abuse to start, again>.
Name: Fridge
Comment:
Staus Quo...my heart sank.
Name: Bopalizzie
Comment:
Great line up so far, although I admit that my heart sinks at the thought of Quo when I remember how the fans of the Quo support band behaved on the camping fields a few years ago.
Name: Guzzibasher
Comment:
Little Feat, LJE - Fab! and Rick Wakeman! Capes at the ready!
Name: Jan
Comment:
Still got my fingers firmly crossed for the fantastic Fleet Foxes. Please? Please please?
Name: Gatz
Comment:
Excellent to hear that the wonderful Thea Gilmore is playing. I've often wondered why she hasn't played Cropredy before, given her links with Woodworm. Some other great acts too; I wouldn't usually go to see Quo but in front of a big Croppers audience? Sounds like a blast!
Name: Annice
Comment:
Hey guys, the line up just keeps getting better :) I've been spreading the word and sooooooooo many friends are coming this year, can't wait :) @ Shaun...Quo were at Donington in 1982 :)
Name: Andy
Comment:
This will be my 13th time seeing the mighty Quo - they are fab to see outdoors and make a fab sound. Rick Wakeman has long been on my list of people I want to see and all of the. Leatherat and mabon also getting me excited. also spending a few extra days in Banbury before the festival so this is hotting up to be one excellent holiday - oh and hurry up and announce the great mr digence to make me smile more.
Name: Grayham Mills
Comment:
Quo like Fairport are an institution, a national treasure, not everyones cup of tea. But great fun. Seen them a few times over the years (the first in 1972!) and you can't not enjoy Quo if you enter into the spirit of it. I think this year looks like being above all FUN. Quo, Bellowhead, Little Feat… Think we'll need extra room down the front guys!
Name: Dave Brzeski
Comment:
Well, you're never going to please everyone & I have to admit I'd normally take long steps to avoid both Quo & Wakeman, not to mention the now seemingly inevitable Digance. In fact I already posted to the Fairport internet mailing list that I might skip Cropredy for the first time since 2003, but hey, there's a lot of good stuff on too, & I have missed headliners in recent years due to godawful weather, so does it matter if I don't want to hang around for Quo? I'm really pleased to see Leatherat on the main stage, as opposed to playing the Cropredy fringe at the pub & I really, really want to see Mary Jane again when they play the Red Lion for the 2nd time. They went down a storm last year & you'll know what high regard I hold them in when I say that I missed almost all of Richard Thompson's set to see them & had no regrets! Please consider Mary Jane for a spot on the Cropredy stage next year.
Name: Sian
Comment:
The line up this year is absolutely fab! every taste catered for Awesome festival GET YOUR TICKETS FOLKS!!!!!!!!
Name: shaun
Comment:
quooooo,quooooo,quooooo,Rolling back the years last saw quo at donnington in 1982 or was it 1983 or was it 1984 cant remember although they might not remember aswell cant wait though
Name: Ady
Comment:
At last, The Mighty Quo - fantastic news, well done guys
Name: Paul Guest
Comment:
What a fantastic line up.LJE was on my wish list, and for someone of a certain age it does'nt get better than Quo.One last point guys, read the great review in R2 mag then go and book the newly reformed Horslips !!!!!!! See you in August
Name: Tom Sevenson
Comment:
Not likely Squire, They are unlikely to allow Dame Jude to play within 300 miles of what has become an embarrassing pub rock band! Moral of the story? Be careful who you mistreat on your way up the ladder, as you may well need to not be shown up by them. Even if its 40 years later...
Name: Anne Hogg
Comment:
Absobloominglutely marvellous! What a great line up. In 30 years of gig-going Trevor and I have yet to see the mighty Quo. The excitement is mounting already. Thanks Fairport. See you at The Sage.
Name: Jill & Tony
Comment:
Bring it on, can't wait, absolutely fantastic line up, totally amazed.
Name: Peter
Comment:
Status Quo and Rick Wakeman? I'll be in my tent early on those 2 evenings. Please don't read this and think, 'boring old fuddy duddy folkie complaining', because I'm ecstatic about LITTLE FEAT appearing. I saw them 3 times in the seventies, and they were one of the best and tightest bands around. Admittedly Lowell George isn't in the band now sadly, but they are still excellent.
Name: Paul
Comment:
IM THERE :oD
Name: Graham Bailey
Comment:
Always been a huge fan of Little Feat, and even without Lowell George they are brilliant live, this shaping up to be another fantastic weekend in the country.
Name: Jono Watts
Comment:
I can say with confidence that Leatherat are very excited! Thank you FC! We will do you all proud. Looking forward to Braebach too, very impressive group. Little Johnny England... YAY!!! A marvelous choice!!! And very good news on Little Feat, that really will be a terrific act for all to enjoy. See you all in about 6 months :)
Name: Bob B.
Comment:
As long as Judy Dyble gets a solo slot, I'll be happy. Of course, if she can bring along some of the great musos who guested on Talking With Strangers, that will be gravy :-) Harpsong would sound wonderful from that stage.
Name: Mike Caddick
Comment:
Little Feat - Rick Wakeman - I LOVE YOU guys.Thank You!
Name: Jens Andersen
Comment:
Well, whats there to wait for. You simply can´t stop making it better and better, but, allthough we are convinsed and will visit Cropredy from our lovely Denmark, feel free to continue the good work. We can almost taste the X6 already.
Name: Andy Leslie
Comment:
Fabulous lineup already. Prepare for a sell-out, chaps. Now, when can I buy our tix?
View all comments (Total number of comments - 63 )
Close
Off The Screen - a review by Nigel Schofield
Added
2010-01-17 09:39:18
In the depths of winter, when the snow piles high in the fields and the roads are more suited to Torville and Dean than Eddie Stobbart...as you head out for the evening, or head home from work or, let's be specific, spend the worst month of the year driving from town to town to play electric folk-tunes, do you ever find yourself longing for those idyllic halcyon hot three days in August (OK - wet and decidedly chilly sometimes, but in this case, hot indeed) when the Fairport family, friends and fans converge on a little field in Oxfordshire to participate in a tradition that has continued unbroken for over thirty years?
The very earliest Cropredy Festivals were preserved on "official bootleg" cassettes (remember The Boot, The Other Boot and The Third Leg? Remember cassettes, for that matter?). In the spirit of those treasured slices of Fairport history, the chaps now offer a chance to relive the 2009 Festival in an official video bootleg of their set.
A few years back they released Off The Desk, a live CD collection which was exactly what it said on the tin (or jewel case). Off The Screen is a DVD which does the same thing. Here is the footage which appeared on screen behind the band during their set. A lot of it is live performance, but you'll also find some great audience shots - hit pause and play your very own version of Where's Henry? - the Tommy Connolly Dancers highstepping to the strains of Peggy's Pub, musical guests and the specially made videos that accompanied some of the songs. More...
The first two videos (all are shown full screen and complete) illustrate two new songs which are, at present, unavailable elsewhere. The Festival Bell celebrates the new bell in Cropredy Church, dedicated to Fairport's Festival (it's never referred to as the Cropredy Festival locally). As Chris Leslie sings the fast paced narrative, we watch a detailed, well-shot documentary about the casting and installation of the bell. This is followed by rare writing collaboration between Messrs Sanders and Leslie. Ukulele Central features animation, archive photos, visual gags, audience laughter, a washboard and ukes a-plenty. Delight, and the ultimate cure for the winter blues (or any other). If you can watch the clip without smiling, you may be dead!
Summer in December is enhanced by a video documenting the Festival weekend from set-up and soundcheck through events on and off site right up to the set you're watching. It's a perfect nutshell souvenir.
Matty Groves has already been audio-visualised through the media of Lego and Mr Potato Head. Here The Bovington Players provide a live action restaging in Victorian costume and glorious black-and-white. A mighty, meaty, Matty monochrome melodrama.
The DVD features 19 of the songs Fairport played that night. Among those missing are 5 songs Fairport played with Yusuf. The Cropredy "surprise" appearance by the former Cat Stevens had been the festival's all-time worst-kept secret. However its best kept secret ever features on a welcome bonus track - Battle of Evermore from the 2008 Festival featuring Robert Plant and Kristina Donahue.
Other guests include Richard Thompson - joined by his daughter Kami for Hand of Kindness and Tear Stained Letter - and Ralph McTell, who with RT, Peggy & DM briefly reform The GPs to sing Muddy Waters.
Despite taking place on a big stage at a large open air event, the DVD feels astoundingly intimate. A great deal is shown in close up, ideal as the screen projection when the default and permanent point of view for the audience is wide-angle long-shot. It's a circumstantial benefit but a very real one.
With songs drawn from the full span of Fairport's last forty years, the set concludes with an all-hands-to the mast, 20,000-strong chorus, hugely emotional version of Meet On The Ledge. Thanks to the DVD it can all come round again, whenever you want it to - and you will, often.
An essential purchase? Absolutely!
Nigel Schofield (not at all biased because he is in it, albeit briefly!)
Close Story
- Have your say about this article (Add Comment)
- View Comments (2 Comments)
Name: kevin may
Comment:
sounds like a very rounded line up so far. How about Carolina Choc Drops or Albert Lee and Hogans Heroes this year of next ?
Name: Mike Caddick
Comment:
Second FC dvd in a row I'm on.Sadly I was not seen Ukeing down the front so I can't prove to my grandkids that I once jammed with Fairport just like Jimm/y/mi/ies Page and Hendrix.Apart from that it's a jolly good souvenir of a great show.Get yours today!
Close


Name: Peter
Comment:
Dear Fairport, I've loved and supported you since seeing you with Judy in the 60s. I've loved almost every album, especially the Sandy period. My wife and I have been to several Conventions over the years, but seriously considered not coming to this years fest. Status Quo and Rick(Tory boy) Wakeman? What the hell is going on? I seriously believe most of the people posting on here are putting a brave face on it. Surely you guys must have some kind of wish list? What about, Teddy Thompson, Iris Dement, Linda Thompson, Jackson Browne, Fleet Foxes, The Gourds, Wilco, Mother Hips, Eliza Carthy, Jacqui's Pentangle, Son Volt, John Prine etc etc. We are coming, but only to see Little Feat and yourselves. My daughter and her family have pulled out. So disappointed and underwhelmed. Quo and Wakeman? I wake in a cold sweat.
Name: John Joseph Twigger
Comment:
Dear Chaps,looking forward to croppers 2010 and the fun to be had both on and off the field.Line up looking good and the excitement is building.
Name: Dan
Comment:
I like it! It looks very old fashioned, like the cropredy posters were in the 80's/90's.
Close