Big names join Fairport Convention at Cropredy

Fairport's Cropredy Convention is one of the biggest events on the folk calendar

Fairport's Cropredy Convention returns to the region next week with headliners Madness, The Bootleg Beatles and the host band.

The annual event takes place on the Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire border.

This year’s festival will kick off in traditional style next Thursday (August 11) with a short set by Fairport Convention.

They will be followed by Gryphon, CoCo and the Butterfields, Hayseed Dixie and Madness.

Friday at Cropredy will be opened by AJ Clarke & Peggy who will be followed by the BBC Young Folk Award winners Brìghde Chaimbeul, Sounds Of Sirens, Life Signs, Wille and the Bandits, Headspace, Steeleye Span and The Bootleg Beatles.

The final day will be opened as usual by Richard Digance who will be followed by Maia, Gilmore and Roberts, Pierce Brothers, The Demon Barbers, Babylon Circus and Ralp McTell.

Fairport Convention will then return close the festival with a full set and special guests.

While showcasing some of the finest in folk and folk rock, over the years the festival has also hosted the likes of Alice Cooper, Robert Plant, Status Quo, Steve Winwood and Buzzcocks.

Fairport Convention is from August 11 to August 13.

It takes place on farmland north of Banbury and three miles from Junction 11 of the M40 motorway.

Music on the Thursday is from 4pm and on the Friday and Saturday from midday.

Three-day tickets cost £125 before fees. Two day tickets for the Friday and Saturday cost £115 and a one day ticket for the Saturday costs £75. Two and three day camping stickers are required for anyone camping and cost £40 and £45 respectively. Admission for under 12s is free, but a ticket is required.

For more information, visit www.fairportconvention.com. Tickets are also available by calling 09006371644.