Fairport wraps up a fantastic, sun-soaked Cropredy after 17,000 come to Banburyshire for the UK's most peaceful festival

Surfing the crowd - the Bar Steward Sons of Val Doonican were one of the highlights of Saturday afternoon - the crowd loved them. Picture by David Jackson

The Fairport Convention crew wrapped up a fantastically successful sun and fun-filled festival on Saturday night after three days of musical entertainment to delight all Cropredy-lovers.

As ever, the band welcomed guests in a finale that gave folk-lovers a feast of favourite tracks. Many an eye watered with renditions of Sandy Denny’s Who Knows Where the time Goes and Richard Thompson’s Meet on the Ledge.

The festival went ahead following two years of postponements because of the Covid pandemic and fans flocked from all over the UK to their favourite field outside Cropredy for the duration.

Temperatures soared and many sensibly divided their time between the sizzling sun and the shade. Some trees at the top of the site became a welcome relief from the baking, 35 degree temperatures.

Playing to the crowd - the Bar Steward Sons of Val Doonican. Picture by David Jackson

Saturday’s line-up was a huge hit with the crowd who showed their appreciation for Seth Lakeman who opened the show. The audience loved the raucous style of Holy Moly and the Crackers and the hilarious antics of the Bar Steward Sons of Val Doonican, who went down a storm with fans in the pit providing the ‘waves’ for a bit of surfing.

Rosalie Cunningham provided a thrilling set and won many new fans with her unique sound, while singer songwriters Iain Matthews and BJ Baartmans did not disappoint with their performance.

Fairport of course closed the show as the full harvest moon rose above the trees – and some eagle-eyed festival-goers were treated to a night of shooting stars from the Perseid meteor shower.

The traditional exodus and clear-up took place yesterday (Sunday) as local scouts performed their traditional service of clearing rubbish, to leave the farmland pasture ready for autumn use.

Rosalie Cunningham - providing a unique sound to a huge and hot crowd at Fairport on Saturday. Picture by David Jackson

Thames Valley Police community team tweeted thanks to Fairport and the village for their welcome and acknowledged their specials for helping to police the festival.

Organisers had banned barbecues in the camping fields to minimise any risk of grass fire in the tinder dry conditions. Stand pipes were placed around the site for human and dog use.

Some visitors had to cut short their stay because of excess heat or Covid. Reaction to the festival was enthusiastic on social media. One said: “A big thank you to the support staff, volunteers, scouts, and bands for making it a beautiful place to be all weekend.”