This year, the festival takes place on 13, 14, 15 August 2009.
Performance times are 4pm to 11.30pm on Thursday and noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday. All acts are subject to contract.
Thursday 13 August
• Harlequinn Up-and-coming all-girl five-piece Harlequinn plays upbeat alt rock/pop. These youngsters' musicianship would earn them a place on any stage in the land.
• 4Square
Another young band, Manchester-based 4Square is a talented and energetic
quartet playing a funky mixture of original compositions and traditional
music.
• Ken Nicol & Phil Cool
Steeleye Span guitar wizard Ken Nicol and well-loved television comedian
Phil Cool present a show packed with banter and music that plucks the
heartstrings and tickles the funny bone.
• Buzzcocks
Cropredy is proud to present the legendary Buzzcocks. The band has been
hugely influential from its origins on Manchester's punk and new wave scene and has also enjoyed considerable chart success.
• Steve Winwood
With a musical heritage encompassing Spencer Davies Group, Traffic and Blind Faith, Steve Winwood has enjoyed a distinguished solo career and is one of British popular music's greatest voices.
Friday 14 August 2009
• Colvin-Quarmby
This midlands-based four-piece is fronted with energetic enthusiasm by Gerry Colvin. The group combines great playing with well-crafted songs and sheer brio.
• BBC Young Folk Award Winners: Megan and Joe Henwood
Fairport Convention is very proud of its close association with the BBC
Radio 2 Young Folk Award. Each year, Cropredy offers a festival slot to the
winners. For 2009, we present brother-and-sister act Megan and Joe Henwood.
• The Oxfordshire duo captivated the Award judges
with Megan's beautiful vocal and guitar and Joe's stunning saxophone accompaniment.
• Ade Edmondson and The Bad Shepherds
Punk and folk may seem unlikely bedfellows but Ade Edmondson has melded the genres and made the fusion work brilliantly. The Bad Shepherds present punk classics with a folk twist and the results are inspired.
• John Jorgensen Band
Cropredy has seen some great guitar bands and John Jorgensen will uphold
that tradition this year. A classic rock band to get you on your feet.
• Dodge Brothers
For sheer entertainment and good vibes Dodge Brothers are hard to beat. The quartet presents skiffle, blues, and rock'n'roll standards ? "songs about
railroads and homicide" ? on guitars, washboard, and double bass. With
down'n'dirty vocal harmonies and pounding rhythms, this feel-good band will
get the crowd dancing.
• Seth Lakeman
Back by popular demand, is a hackneyed phrase but it's true of Seth Lakeman and his band. After a barnstorming performance at Cropredy 2007, the organisers were inundated with requests for a repeat visit and are happy to oblige.
• Richard Thompson
Cropredy would hardly be complete without former Fairport member Richard
Thompson, one of the most revered guitarists and singer-songwriters in the
world. Richard's last appearance at the festival featured a full four-piece
band; this year, by contrast, he will be performing a solo spot.
Saturday 15 August
• Richard Digance
Richard will once again open Saturday's festivities.
• Churchfitters
Brittany-based Churchfitters bring diverse musical backgrounds and a fresh
approach to folk. This long-established quartet's fast-paced show mixes
original material with songs and tunes from the British Isles.
• Feast of Fiddles
Six of Britain's finest folk fiddlers backed by a five-piece band present a
musical extravaganza of dazzling instrumental virtuosity. The solo and
ensemble playing by the stellar line-up ranges from Celtic frenzy to gypsy
lament and just about everything in between.
• Dreadzone
Originally championed by John Peel, Dreadzone is a fabulous festival act
with half-a-dozen albums under its belt. With the pedigree of Big Audio
Dynamite (and a name suggested by the legendary Don Letts) the band's live show is an eclectic fusion of dub, techno and folk into a powerhouse of
ideas, experiments and imagination.
• Ralph McTell
Another legend, singer-songwriter Ralph performs his first full solo set at
Cropredy for many years. His rich voice, virtuoso guitar and unique songs
will cast spells and make magic. Ralph will also join Fairport for a few
numbers during their set.
• Fairport Convention and special guests.
As always, the festival will end with a spectacular three-hour set by
Fairport Convention and a galaxy of musical guests. Fairport's Cropredy set
gives the band a chance to really stretch its wings and roam far and wide
through a repertoire stretching back over forty years. You never know who'll
turn up to play with Fairport: for instance, Robert Plant was among the
guests on stage last year.
Tickets are now on sale with substantial discounts for early purchase.
As in previous years, the festival offers three-day (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) tickets, two-day (Friday and Saturday) tickets, and Saturday-only tickets.
• Prices for tickets purchased before 1 June 2009 are:
Three-day tickets £78, Two-day tickets £68, Saturday-only £48
• Prices for tickets purchased between 1 June and 31 July 2009 are:
Three-day tickets £82, Two-day tickets £72, Saturday-only £52
• Prices for tickets purchased after 31 July 2009 (including at the gate) are:
Three-day tickets £86, Two-day tickets £76, Saturday-only £56
• Children under 12 years old are admitted free provided they are accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
Camping is charged per vehicle (up to five occupants). For added convenience and security, tents are erected next to the camping party's vehicle. Note there is no increase in camping charges this year.
• Three-day camping costs £30 per vehicle, two-day camping is £25 per vehicle, and camping on Saturday night is free for people with a festival ticket. Motorcyclists, cyclists and backpackers arriving on foot can camp free of charge.
• For more information on acts appearing at this years Festival and further ticket info, please consult Fairport's website: www.fairportconvention.com
