THE full line-up of acts for Fairport's Cropredy Convention 2008 has been revealed.
The friendly three-day festival of rock, pop and acoustic music has been running for more 25 years.
This year, the event takes place on August 7, 8 anf 9 and oorganisers are advising fans to book early as last year all 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.
The full line-up is as follows (all acts subject to contract). Your can give your comments on the line-up by registering or signing in at the foot of the story.Thursday, August 7Anthony John ClarkeThis 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.
WhapweaselA 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.
The GatheringLed 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.
John Tams and Barry CoopeVoted '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 more than three decades.
SupergrassBritpop heroes Supergrass will headline on Thursday, August 7. 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.
Friday 8 AugustFamily MahoneA 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.
Peggy & PJFairport 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.
Three Daft MonkeysAnother 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".
Jeana Leslie and Siobhan MillerEach 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.
StackridgeLivening 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.
Joe Brown and his bandSixties 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.
LevellersA 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.
Saturday 9 AugustSaturday'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 DiganceThis 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.
Larkrise to CandlefordFairport 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.
LegendCropredy-goers have always had a soft spot for reggae and this year Legend will play the music of Bob Marley.
Muffin MenReturning 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.
Julie FowlisGaelic 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.
Midge UreMaking 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.
Fairport Convention and guestsEvery 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.
The full article contains 840 words and appears in n/a newspaper.