What I learned at my first experience of the Cropredy Festival

On Friday afternoon I headed to my first Fairport Cropredy Convention not knowing what to expect or even if I would enjoy the experience.

It had been a couple of years since I had attended a festival and the subsequent lockdowns had altered my view of what an enjoyable weekend now looked like.

I soon discovered Cropredy was a festival like no other I had attended, and my anxiousness disappeared instantly as I entered through the Cropredy gates.

Unlike other festivals, Cropredy stands out for the wide range of ages that make up the festivalgoers, creating a friendly family feel more akin to a giant family barbecue than a wild rock’n’roll festival.

The inclusivity of this festival is what will stick with me more than anything, from the smiles and friendly conversation of the burger bar vendors to the security guards gently ushering the crowds, you are made to feel relaxed and welcome.

The music was not entirely to my taste, although I did enjoy the evening set of Turin Brakes as the sun set on a steaming hot Friday evening. The music, however, is only a fraction of what seemingly makes Cropredy what it is.

Some festivalgoers have been returning to the site for 40 years and I can see why - in the modern world festivals are often hectic and stressful experiences with unlimited stages and constant streams of pedestrian traffic clogging up muddy fields.

Cropredy, with its calm layout of one stage, one hill and one giant crowd all relaxing and enjoying the same experience with cheery smiles is a must-try for anyone looking for a slower, friendlier, welcoming festival.