The line-up for Fairport's Cropredy Convention 2009 is almost complete but here is what we have for you so far - all subject to contract of course. We are still in negotiation with some really terrific acts - and we will let you know as soon as possible - so please keep an eye on this website for further details.

 

 

Thursday 13 August

 

Steve Winwood
Cropredy-goers have been asking us to get Steve Winwood for years but diary clashes have always conspired against us. Until now, that is: we are delighted that Steve is free this year and is as keen to play Cropredy as the crowd is to welcome him. Steve's musical heritage includes Spencer Davies Group, Traffic and Blind Faith as well as a long and distinguished solo career culminating in the superb 9 Lives. We are delighted to announce that Steve will be headlining Thursday 13 August.

Buzzcocks
We are proud to announce that PUNK is coming to Cropredy in the shape of Manchester's BUZZCOCKS. Formed in 1976 by Howard Devoto and Pete Shelley, the band became an integral part of the new wave scene and, driven by Steve Diggle's thrashing guitar, had hit after hit including 'Ever Fallen In Love (with someone you shouldn't've fallen in love with)', 'Harmony In My Head' and 'What do I get?'. We can't wait!

Ken Nicol & Phil Cool
Following on from their successful guest slot on the Fairport Convention Winter tour. Ken and Phil will be taking to the stage with their own unique brand of music and wit.

4 Square
Since their humble beginnings in a freezing cold farmhouse near Rochdale, Manchester based quartet - 4 Square - have gelled and matured into the funkiest, most energetic young band on the folk secene today. Peggy was so impressed by Jim, Dan, Nicola and James that he booked them immediately. Check out their new album, '20:20 Manchester'

Harlequinn
Cropredy is a family-friendly festival on both sides of the footlights. We are delighted to present Harlequinn, (which features Imogen Leslie, daughter of Fairport fiddler Chris) as our opening act. There's no nepotism here, though - these youngster's musicianship would earn them a place on any stage in the land.

 

 

 

Friday 14 August

 

Richard Thompson
Cropredy would hardly be complete without Richard Thompson, one of the most revered guitarists and singer-songwriters in the world. Richard's last appearance at our festival featured a full four-piece band; this year, by contrast, he will be performing a solo spot.

Seth Lakeman
"Back by popular demand" is a hackneyed phrase - but it's true of Seth Lakeman and his band. After Seth's barnstorming performance in 2007, we were inundated with requests for a repeat visit and we're delighted to oblige.

The Dodge Brothers
For sheer entertainment, good vibes and musicality The Dodge Brothers are hard to beat. Their skiffle-esque take on blues, rockabilly and rock'n'roll standards - "songs about railroads and homicide" as they put it - feature guitars, washboard, double bass and great down'n'dirty vocals.

John Jorgensen Band
Cropredy has seen some great guitar bands over the years and the John Jorgensen Band will live up to that tradition this year. A classic rock band to get you on your feet.

Scott Matthews
Midlands-born singer-songwriter Scott Matthews has been making waves, getting rave reviews and more importantly, selling loads of CDs! Hailed as an English Jeff Buckley, Scott's contemplative performance of sensitive folk-influenced songs will perfectly complement the Cropredy vibe.

Ade Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds
Punk and folk may seem unlikely bedfellows but Ade Edmondson and ex-Fairporter Maart Allcock have melded the genres and made the fusion work brilliantly. The Bad Shepherds present punk era classics with a folk twist and the results are inspired - one not to miss!

BBC Young Folk Award Winners - Megan and Joe Henwood
Fairport is very proud of its close association with the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award. This year, we present brother-and-sister act Megan and Joe Henwood, the deserving winners of the Young Folk Award 2009.
These Oxfordshire based siblings captivated the judges with Megan's beautiful vocal and guitar and Joe's stunning saxophone accompaniment.

ColvinQuarmby
We extend a warm welcome back to ColvinQuarmby, the midlands-based five-piece band who went down so well a few years ago. Fronted with energetic enthusiasm by Gerry Colvin, the group's combination of great playing, well-crafted songs, and sheer charm are sure to win you over.

 

 

Saturday 15 August

 

Fairport Convention & 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 wing and roam far and wide through a repertoire stretching back over forty years. You never know who'll turn up to play with Fairport - being there in person is the only way to guarantee being part of such unforgettable musical moments as last year's appearance by Robert Plant.

Ralph McTell
Cropredy favourite Ralph McTell (who wrote Hiring Fair and Red And Gold for Fairport) performs his first full solo set at Cropredy for many years to tingle spines. His rich voice, virtuoso guitar and unique songs will cast spells over the early evening. Don't be surprised if Ralph also joins Fairport for a few numbers later.

Nik Kershaw 
With a string of hits in the 1980s in his own name, Nik went on to pen some of the 90s greatest pop songs for other artists. In 1999, Nik started recording songs again and that year saw the release of the critically acclaimed '15 Minutes' which was followed in 2001 by 'To Be Frank' and most recently with 'You've Got To Laugh'.

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.

Feast of Fiddles
Irrepressible melodeonist Hugh Crabtree fronts Feast of Fiddles, a rocking four-piece band (featuring ex-Fairporter Dave Mattacks on drums) backing six of Britain's finest folk fiddlers (including Chris Leslie) in a musical extravaganza of dazzling instrumental virtuosity. The solo and ensemble playing by the stellar line-up ranges from Celtic frenzy to gypsy laments and just about everything in between - a truly spectacular show.

Churchfitters
Another of Peggy's favourites, long-established four-piece Churchfitters bring diverse musical backgrounds to a fresh and original approach to Irish music.

The Churchfitters are:

Chris Short: violin, mandolin, musical saw, percussion, vocals
Boris Lebret: bass, double bass, suitcase
Rosie Short: Lead Vocals, whistle, flute, soprano sax, 5 string banjo,dulcimer, Ukelele, percussion
Topher Louden: Lead Vocals, guitar, bouzouki

Richard Digance
We are delighted to announce that Richard will once again be joining us in his usual 'graveyard' slot for the Saturday lunchtime. This is Richard's 60th year (though not at the festival) so come along and wish him happy birthday!

 

As mentioned earlier, there are still more bands to announce so please keep coming back to these web pages for further details.