We were shepherded in to Field 7B, ended up right in the middle of the field, miles away from the few loos and the even fewer showers. I was panicking already! Tent time. Paul was in his van, so all he had to do was connect his awning. Few minutes and he was ready. No Chance had a smaller tent and he knew what he was doing, Folkmaster had a new tent which was an air based one, so he got his instructions out and sorted his out, Johnny Mac was ably putting his tent up, and there was little old me, with a new tent.
Poles and all. I tried, dear readers, I really did. The lads were brilliant though, and thank them all for it. It was suggested I wore my new wellies, as mud could well be present, due to the onslaught of rain in the days leading up to the Festival. Visions of Glastonbury encroached in my mind…….
The usual banter flowed. We were expecting another member of the Folking team — Paul Johnson — but he was nowhere to be seen or heard, so we did the Chariots Of Fire walk with our chairs and bags and waited for the gates to open. On the way there, we were serenaded by medieval musicians, Myal Pyper, who were a delight to listen to. We finally got in, and headed for our usual spot.
The queue for Fairport merchandise was already growing rapidly and that did not stop all day and evening. The staff in that tent were heroes! It was the same the following day! Riotous applause from the crowd, a full packed arena, for the Thursday is not what usually happens apparently. Phil Beer, Marion Fleetwood and Sophie Crabtree came on later on in the set to enhance the line-up, totalling nine fiddle players!
Show of Hands next — favourites of mine, they played an absolutely blinding set. The whole field was talking about how fab it was. Phil told us that he will be virtually taking next summer off to revive his Folkboat activities, which is why this year they have so many festivals booked and Steve will be doing solo work next summer.
Really enjoyed the whole set. Eventually we met up with our lost team mate — Paul Johnson — who had had a nightmare putting up his tent apparently, and his mobility scooter had a flat battery. Could only happen to Paul! A kind of covers set but all perfectly connected to these three fine producers. They sounded good too. They have over hit singles and albums to choose from and it was very pleasant and lively set.
Nice mix. Headliners for Thursday evening were The Divine Comedy. Friday came and rain was forecast. Oh no!! Kick off was at midday after the gates being opened at 11am for the festival goers. Paul Johnson tests the folking digital interview recorder on Paul Miles, the original co-founder of folking. Scottish traditional, Gaelic, and other influences, songs from the mines and cotton mills.
They have played some well-known festivals including Cambridge and in their short time together, are certainly making a mark for themselves. FC members past and present formed a three hour plus set from the finest in folk rock; essentially the blueprint for folk rock. It was from here that Fairport Convention showed just exactly how influential and important they are. Forming a line up, with Richard Thompson, Ashley Hutchings and Judy Dyble amongst its ranks, the opening slew of songs was completely mind blowing from FC.
Songs that made up their self-titled album were brought to life in such an exact and refreshing and way. Iain Matthews, Richard Thompson and Judy Dyble provided impassioned vocals for the short and sweet number that was the signal point for what was to come in this great bands future. It was during this period of the set and the mention of Martin Lamble that it really is remarkable that FC are celebrating their 50 th birthday.
Lamble, then the bands drummer, was killed in a tragic road accident at the age of 19 after the bands first three albums had begun to put them on the music map. Another great cut from Full House is the largely ever present Walk Awhile.
In this particular set, the bands vocal, like Time Will Show The Wiser was delivered with great vigour. As has been the case on many night at Cropredy, Chris While delivered a superlative version of the song with the band to pay tribute to one of the greatest English singers, ever.
Another revolving door of members saw out the rest of the set including Dirty Linen, Hexamshire Lass and the newer and superbly autobiographical, Our Bus Rolls On. Cropredy really is a great festival. Fairport Convention can be found online here ; they are also on Facebook and Twitter. Words by Dom Walsh. Dom also tweets as dtwalsh Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Friday, November 12, Sign in. Forgot your password?
Get help. Create an account. Password recovery. Louder Than War. Share This Tweet. Excellent review of the festival, very interesting!! Well done, Dominic! Name of woman who sang tam Lin at croperty Thu 10th. Fri 11th. Sat 12th. Similar festivals Glastonbudget 2 June - 04 June Get tickets. Glastonbudget 2 June - 04 June Get tickets. Wychwood Music Festival 3 June - 05 June tickets. Join our community.
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