August 7th-9th, 2008
www.fairportconvention.com

Fairport is pleased to announce the full line-up of acts for Fairport’s Cropredy Convention 2008.The uniquely-friendly three-day festival of rock, pop and acoustic music has been running for over 25 years. This year, the event takes place on 7, 8, 9 August. The organisers are advising fans to book early – last year, all the tickets were sold weeks before the gates opened. Running times are 4pm to 11.30pm on Thursday and noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Thursday 7 August
(Note: all acts subject to contract)
Anthony John Clarke
This is singer/songwriter Anthony’s second Cropredy slot – he compered last year. Ulster-born Anthony’s set mixes humorous asides with powerful songs and top-notch finger-style guitar.
http://www.anthonyjohnclarke.com

Whapweasel
Long a firm favourite on the ceilidh circuit, this eight-piece north country dance band really rocks. Whapweasel features two melodeons, a horn section, rock-solid rhythms and Steeleye Span bassist Rick Kemp on lead guitar. English dance music at its finest.
http://www.whapweasel.com

The Gathering
Led by guitar ace Jerry Donahue, The Gathering features a who’s who of great musicians (including members and former members of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Lindisfarne, Magna Carta, The Albion Band, Jethro Tull, and Pentangle) playing a fusion of blues, folkrock and jazz.
http://www.myspace.com/thegatheringonline

John Tams and Barry Coope
Voted ‘Best Duo’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, John and Barry are renowned for their wonderful vocal harmonies, humorous stage presence and inspiring repertoire. Both are steeped in the British folk tradition and their individual music careers stretch back over three decades.
http://www.johntams.co.uk

Supergrass
Britpop heroes Supergrass will headline on Thursday. 7 August. This four-piece band from Oxford has released a string of Top 10 albums (including three platinum-sellers). The bright guitar-driven music and fun attitude makes the group a real crowd-pleaser.
http://www.supergrass.com

Friday 8 August
(Note: all acts subject to contract)

Family Mahone
A roaring start to the day from Family Mahone. Fronted by BBC presenter Mark Radcliffe, this Cheshire band is dedicated to drinking songs and has a distinct Pogues flavour.
http://www.thefamilymahone.co.uk

Peggy & PJ
Fairport bassist Dave Pegg and guitarist PJ Wright team up for this light-hearted duo spot. Their very successful club circuit show mixes instrumental virtuosity, banter and sing-alongs and they have specially adapted it to the big stage for this appearance.
http://www.hedgeofsound.com

Three Daft Monkeys
Another festival favourite, this west country fiddle, guitar and bass trio play world-influenced acoustic music with a hint of the bizarre. Great entertainment described by BBC Radio 2 presenter Mike Harding as “brilliant … absolutely amazing”.
http://www.3daftmonkeys.co.uk

Jeana Leslie and Siobhan Miller
Each year, Fairport supports emerging new acts by providing a festival slot for the winners of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award. For 2008, the lucky youngsters are Scottish vocal/intrumental duo Jeana and Siobhan.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/events/youngfolkaward2008

Stackridge
Livening up the teatime slot, a return visit to Cropredy for Stackridge. The band’s rhythmic catchy material has assured them enduring popularity and cult status.
http://www.stackridge.net

Joe Brown and his band
Sixties legend Joe brings a his great voice and a lifetime of music to Cropredy. His contemporary fellow chart-topper Dave Edmunds will be Joe’s special guest.

Levellers
A storming finale to Friday from this legendary folkrock outfit. Levellers recently won the award for ‘Festival Feel-Good Act’ and their Cropredy appearance will provide two hours of dancing and energy.
http://www.levellers.co.uk

Saturday 9 August
(Note: all acts subject to contract)

Saturday’s compere will be BBC presenter Bob Harris. The Whistle Test legend is a regular visitor to Cropredy and a big fan of the festival.

Richard Digance
This is the singer/comedian’s sixth consecutive year in Saturday’s opening slot and his mix of humour and sing-alongs remains very popular with Cropredy regulars.
http://www.richarddigance.com

Larkrise to Candleford
Fairport Convention founder-member Ashley Hutchings presents his musical project composed for the the National Theatre’s 1978 dramatisation of Flora Thompson’s much-loved trilogy of rural Oxfrordshire life.
http://www.folkicons.co.uk/ashley.htm

Legend
Cropredy-goers have always had a soft spot for reggae and this year Legend will play the music of Bob Marley.

Muffin Men
Returning by popular demand, this band stormed Cropredy when they appeared three years ago. Muffin Men play the music of Frank Zappa fronted by charismatic vocalist Jimmy Carl Black, former singer/drummer with Mothers of Invention.
http://www.muffinmen.co.uk

Julie Fowlis
Gaelic singer Julie has two acclaimed solo albums to her name. A talented vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, she was awarded ‘Folk Singer of the Year’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in February 2008.
http://www.juliefowlis.com

Midge Ure
Making his first appearance at Cropredy, Midge needs little introduction. He has Ivor Novello, Grammy, and BASCAP awards to his name, made landmark recordings with Ultravox, and was a key mover in Band Aid.
http://www.midgeure.com

Fairport Convention and guests
Every year Cropredy festival closes with a three-hour set from Fairport Convention. The current line-up will be joined on stage by a galaxy of musical guests including former members of the band.
http://www.fairportconvention.com

Press contact / further information
Iconic Media
Phone: 01926 632946 Mobile: 07879 844397
Email: stevie@iconicmusic.com
PO Box 1957
Eathorpe, Warks CV33 9YG
http://www.fairportconvention.com

EVENT DETAILS
Fairport’s Cropredy Convention 2008 is a uniquely friendly three-day festival of rock, pop and acoustic music set in beautiful Oxfordshire countryside.
Located adjacent to Cropredy village, five miles north of Banbury (three miles from junction 11 on M40 motorway), the event takes place on Thursday 7 August, Friday 8 August, and Saturday 9 August 2008