Fairport's Cropredy Convention three-day open-air music festival today announces the complete line-up of acts booked for this summer’s event which takes place at Cropredy on Thursday 10, Friday 11 and Saturday 12 August 2023. The festival will feature its usual eclectic mix of acts - everything from acoustic folk to rock and prog and all things in between.
Fairport Convention:
Host band Fairport Convention will open the festival with a short acoustic performance then take the stage again on Saturday to play the headline closing set.
www.fairportconvention.com
Merry Hell:
Springing from punk-folk roots, Merry Hell is making its Cropredy debut. In just five years this eight-piece folkrock band has become a firm favourite on the festival scene.
www.merryhell.co.uk
Wilson & Wakeman:
Adam Wakeman is best known as the keyboard player with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath and Damian Wilson is a songwriter and vocalist who has appeared on over seventy albums.
www.wilsonwakeman.com
Toyah Willcox & Robert Fripp:
After a surprise appearance at Cropredy last year, Toyah and Robert are back with a full band featuring Robert on guitar. Upbeat songs and much-loved rock classics in a highly-anticipated performance.
www.toyahandrobert.com
Nile Rodgers & CHIC:
Thursday’s headline set is from Nile Rodgers, multiple Grammy Award winning songwriter, composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist.
www.nilerodgers.com
Joshua Burnell & Band:
Joshua’s debut at Cropredy. Joshua and his band present dynamic retro pop-infused folk while keeping a sharp focus on traditional themes.
www.joshuaburnell.co.uk
Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri:
Kiki Dee, one of Britain’s greatest singers, and guitar legend Carmelo Luggeri are one of the UK’s great musical pairings. Kiki's stunning vocals are backed by Carmelo’s beautiful acoustic arrangements.
www.kikiandcarmelo.com
Peat & Diesel:
This rocking Stornaway trio takes audiences to the heart of the Western Isles. After selling out Glasgow’s Barrowlands in one day this band is going from strength to strength.
www.peatanddiesel.band
Easy Star All-Stars:
American reggae band Easy Star All-Stars last appeared at Cropredy in 2010. This year sees them back to re-imagine Bowie’s classic album as ‘Ziggy Stardub,' a mix of reggae, dub, and indie rock.
www.easystar.com
Richie Owens and The Farm Bureau:
A cousin of Dolly Parton (he plays in her touring band ) Richie Owens is a fifth generation Smoky Mountains musician with musical roots stretching back to the American civil war.
www.richieowensandthefarmbureau.com
Strawbs (UK farewell performance):
Strawbs is one of folkrock’s most enduring acts. Although founder member Dave Cousins is retiring from live performance due to health issues he will re-unite at Cropredy with Strawbs members past and present for his last major UK show.
www.strawbsweb.co.uk
Fisherman’s Friends:
The shanty tradition and wonderful harmony singing are stock in trade for this renowned Cornish vocal group which enjoys international acclaim.
www.thefishermansfriends.com
10cc:
To headline Friday night Cropredy sees a welcomes return by 10cc, one of the most inventive and influential groups in British popular music. The band’s longevity is a testament to their superb musicianship and repertoire of timeless chart hits.
www.10cc.world
Richard Digance:
After a year off, BAFTA nominee Richard returns to his traditional and very popular Cropredy lunchtime slot
www.richarddigance.com
Morganway:
Six-part harmonies and instrumental prowess from this leading UK Americana band whose repertoire blends 70s West Coast, classic rock, and rootsy country into a formidable mix.
www.morganway.co.uk
Beans on Toast:
A real festival favourite, Beans on Toast brings a DIY approach to folksong and contemporary concerns. Self-described as a hippy, a punk, a poet, and a romantic, he writes simple songs that tackle big issues.
www.beansontoastmusic.com
Solstice:
Mixing folkrock and neo-prog, eight-piece Solstice features passionate female vocals, soaring violin, weaving guitar, and driving complex rhythms.
www.solsticehome.uk
The Young 'uns:
With three BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards to their name, this exciting Teesside trio combines acapella song, memorable melody, and strong storytelling in folk song for today.
www.theyounguns.co.uk
Gilbert O’Sullivan:
UK and US chart-topper, Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan mixes a huge back catalogue of tuneful and thought-provoking songs with new material from his latest album ‘Driven’./
www.gilbertosullivan.co.uk
Fairport Convention and guests:
Saturday headliners Fairport Convention take the stage for their traditional three-hour- show.
www.fairportconvention.com
Fairport's Cropredy Convention presents three days of music in a stunning rural setting
Billed as Britain's friendliest music festival, the event attracts up to 20,000 music fans of all ages from all walks of life.
The festival takes place at Cropredy near Banbury, Oxfordshire (three miles from Junction 11 of the M40 motorway).
Photo Credits:
(1) Fisherman’s Friends,
(2),(4),(5) Fairport Convention / Fairport’s Cropredy Convention,
(3) Merry Hell,
(6) The Young 'Uns,
(7) Peat & Diesel,
(8) Beans On Toast,
(9) Dave Cousins (Strawbs)
(unknown/website).