Taking place on the 2nd weekend of August each year, the 3 day festival of folk, roots and rock transforms the bucolic village of Cropredy, Oxfordshire (as well as its hostelries, waterways and pastures) into a mecca for the discerning music lover. Fundamentally unchanged since it’s inception in 1980 – and predating other outdoor behemoths such as WOMAD, Leeds and V Festival by a decade or more – Cropredy represents an opportunity to experience a pure, untainted festival experience – free of corporate sponsors, high street chains and eye-watering prices.

Still lovingly curated by the band itself, this personal touch continues to imbue the event with an atmosphere of joy and celebration – and ensures many a famous face is spotted at the festival bar or sat basking in the sunshine in front of the stage. Fairport’s Cropredy Convention has previously hosted the likes of Brian Wilson, Procul Harum, 10CC, Status Quo and Stevie Winwood – as well as lauded Fairport alumni in the form of Richard Thompson, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band.

This year’s lineup this year’s lineup sees a return to the festival’s roots. Showcasing contemporary Folk courtesy of The Salts, Urban Folk Quartet and Plumhall; bonafide legends in the form of Albert Lee, Trevor Horn and Martin Barre’s Brief History of Jethro Tull; festival stalwarts Peatbog Faeries and King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys; and not forgetting your hosts for the weekend, Fairport Convention, bookending proceedings with their stripped back opening set on Thursday afternoon, and epic closing finale on Saturday night.

More information and full line-up details: https://www.fairportconvention.com/

£220