Cropredy Festival Banbury, England 2026
Overview
Fairport’s Cropredy Convention, a cornerstone of British folk-rock, returns in 2026 to the idyllic fields of Cropredy, Oxfordshire, for its 47th year, hosted by the legendary Fairport Convention. Born in 1979 from the band’s farewell concert, this three-day festival has grown into a beloved gathering of 6,500 ticketed attendees, blending folk, rock, and roots music with a vibrant community spirit. Under the stewardship of Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Ric Sanders, and Chris Leslie, Cropredy 2026 promises a handpicked lineup of established and emerging acts across a single stage, set against a backdrop of village charm and rolling countryside.
Known for its intimate scale and fan-driven ethos, Cropredy offers a respite from corporate festivals, focusing on quality sound, eclectic performances, and a family-like atmosphere. From Thursday’s acoustic warm-ups to Saturday’s marathon Fairport-led finale, the event weaves music with local food stalls, real ale bars, and artisan markets. After surviving financial challenges and industry shifts, 2026 marks a “right-sized” evolution, capping attendance to preserve its soul—ensuring every chord, laugh, and sunset over the fields feels deeply personal.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Diverse lineup curated by Fairport Convention, featuring folk-rock legends, new talent, and surprises across one main stage; Fairport’s closing set spans hours with guest artists; acoustic and storytelling sessions.
- Special traditions or features: Annual Fairport-led finale with iconic tracks like Liege and Lief classics; community campfire singalongs; kid-friendly zones with free entry for under-12s; eco-conscious site management.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Cropredy village’s warm welcome with pub meetups; artisan stalls showcasing Oxfordshire crafts; real ale tents celebrating British brewing; scenic camping fields with canal views.
Why Attend
Cropredy Festival 2026 is a heartwarming pilgrimage for music lovers seeking authenticity over flash, where folk-rock’s pioneers deliver a weekend of melody and memory in Oxfordshire’s pastoral embrace. It’s a chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with 6,500 kindred spirits, singing along to Fairport Convention’s timeless anthems or discovering new bands handpicked by the band’s discerning ear. The single-stage setup ensures you miss nothing, while the village’s charm—think cozy pubs and canal walks—grounds the experience in rural magic. Families thrive with free kids’ entry and safe spaces, while eco-conscious attendees applaud the festival’s lean, sustainable approach.
What sets Cropredy apart is its community heartbeat: fans, not corporations, fuel its survival, creating a shared legacy documented in Cropredy Capers. From dancing under starry skies to swapping stories over pints, it’s a festival that feels like coming home. Whether you’re a folk devotee or a curious first-timer, Cropredy’s blend of heritage, hospitality, and high-quality sound offers a soul-nourishing escape—leaving you with songs in your heart and a resolve to return to this cherished field year after year.
Date & Duration
Dates: August 13 – August 15, 2026
Duration: 3 days
Venue / Location
The festival unfolds on the Lews Castle Green, a purpose-built arena with three stages (Main, Islands, Acoustic) hosting over 5,000, just a 10-minute walk from Stornoway’s town center. Additional venues include An Lanntair arts centre for late-night clubs, Breasclete Community Hall for traditional gigs, Stornoway Town Hall for family shows, and pop-up spots like The Narrows and Porters Lodge for street performances—all woven into the island’s coastal charm.
Main event address: Cropredy Festival Fields, Station Road, Cropredy, Banbury OX17 1PX, UK
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: Online via fairportconvention.com/cropredy from December 8, 2025, 10:00 AM; single three-day ticket only; limited to 6,500; on-site box office if available.
- Whether admission is free or paid: Paid event; under-12s free (no ticket needed); teens (12-17) discounted.
- Tell ticket pricing in usd only: Three-day ticket $283 USD; teen ticket $116 USD; camping per vehicle $77 USD; parking $19 USD for three days.
- Any special seating or VIP options: Accessible viewing areas (pre-book via email); no formal VIP but priority for disabled attendees and one companion.
- ADD MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM TICKETS PRICING TELL: Minimum ticket price: $19 USD (parking only); Maximum ticket price: $360 USD (three-day ticket with camping).
- Notes: No refunds unless canceled (face value only); early booking essential due to limited capacity; proof of age for teen concessions at entry.
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Contact Information
- Email: cropredy@fairportconvention.com (general/tickets); accessibility@fairportconvention.com (access needs).
- Phone: +44 (0)1608 678 225 (office, English available).
- Website: https://www.fairportconvention.com/cropredy (See Official Site).
- Social Media: @FairportConvention (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
- Key Staff: Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Ric Sanders, Chris Leslie (band/organizers); contact via email.
- Press/Volunteers: Media accreditation via email; volunteer roles (stewarding, setup) via website, open spring 2026.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; accessibility prioritized; mailing list for lineup updates.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Birmingham International (BHX, 40 miles/1 hour drive); London Heathrow (LHR, 80 miles/1.5 hours); Oxford Airport (OXF, 25 miles/40 minutes).
- Public transport: Train to Banbury Station (from London Marylebone, 1 hour, $30-50 USD), then taxi ($15 USD) or festival shuttle ($5 USD, TBA); buses from Oxford via Stagecoach S4 ($8 USD).
- Parking: $19 USD for three days (pre-book or on-site); no vehicle movement overnight; accessible parking at festival entrance (pre-book).
- Driving directions: From M40, exit J11 to Banbury, follow A361 to Cropredy; satnav OX17 1PX; 20 minutes from M40.
- Shuttle services: Festival shuttle from Banbury Station (details spring 2026); local taxis available.
- Cycling/walking: 1-mile walk from Cropredy village; bike racks on-site; flat terrain suits mobility aids.
Accommodation Options
- Official camping: $77 USD per vehicle (tents, campervans); includes showers/toilets; family zones available; book with ticket.
- Glamping: Limited third-party options nearby ($200-350 USD, book via external sites like Pitchup); pre-pitched tents in Banbury.
- Nearby hotels: The Sun Inn, Cropredy (0.5 miles, $100-180 USD/night); Banbury House Hotel (5 miles, $120-200 USD); book early via Booking.com.
- B&Bs and rentals: Village guesthouses ($80-150 USD/night); Airbnb cottages in Banbury ($90-160 USD).
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly camping pitches; accessible toilets/showers; pre-book via accessibility email.
- Booking tip: High demand in small village—book camping with tickets; extend with Cotswolds exploration.
Reviews
A folk-rock haven where Fairport’s finale lit up the night—community vibes, real ales, and canal sunsets made it pure magic.
First-timers welcomed like old friends; music soared, stalls delighted—Cropredy’s heart beats stronger than ever.
Intimate yet epic: Danced to legends, camped under stars—left with a tribe and tunes I’ll hum forever.
Maps
Contact
- Cropredy Festival Fields, Station Road, Cropredy, Banbury OX17 1PX, UK
- +44 (0)1608 678 225
- cropredy@fairportconvention.com
- https://www.fairportconvention.com/cropredy
- https://www.facebook.com/Fairportofficial/?locale=en_GB
- https://www.instagram.com/cropredyfestival/
- https://x.com/faircropfest?lang=en-GB
Video
FAQ's
What music and vibe define Cropredy 2026?
Curated by Fairport Convention, expect a folk-rock core with splashes of roots, acoustic, and surprise genres across one stage—think Fairport’s Liege and Lief classics alongside fresh acts. The vibe is a communal hug: 6,500 fans, no corporate sheen, with singalongs, campfire chats, and village warmth. Fairport’s marathon Saturday set often features guests, blending nostalgia with discovery. The single-stage setup ensures you catch every note, while stalls and bars foster mingling—perfect for those craving authentic, handcrafted festival joy rooted in decades of tradition.
How family-friendly is Cropredy, and what keeps kids engaged?
Very welcoming, with under-12s free and teen tickets ($116 USD) affordable. The flat, grassy site suits families, with safe zones for play and relaxed daytime sets for all ages. Kids enjoy artisan stalls, face-painting, and storytelling corners, while parents catch music nearby. Family camping areas enforce quiet hours, and stewards ensure safety. The village’s proximity adds ice cream stops and pub gardens—ideal for multi-gen bonding in a low-key, music-soaked setting that feels like a countryside picnic with soul.
What food and drink options are available?
Local stalls serve Oxfordshire specialties like pork pies, veggie pasties, and fish and chips ($10-18 USD), with vegan/gluten-free options aplenty. Real ale tents pour cask brews from Hook Norton and Purity ($6-8 USD/pint), alongside ciders, wines, and soft drinks. BYO food allowed (no glass); arena bars use reusable cups to cut waste. Village pubs like The Red Lion offer pre-festival meals, blending hearty fare with Cropredy’s community spirit—expect queues, but the quality and local flavor make it worth the wait.
How accessible is the festival for diverse attendees?
Highly inclusive, with free companion tickets for disabled attendees (apply via accessibility@fairportconvention.com with PIP/DLA proof). Raised viewing platforms at the main stage offer chairs and clear sightlines (pre-book); trackways aid wheelchairs, though grass can be tough in rain. Accessible toilets, showers, and parking near the entrance (pre-book); stewards assist with navigation. Assistance dogs welcome (notify in advance). Lighting effects disclosed on-site; feedback via email refines access yearly—ensuring Cropredy’s warmth embraces all, from mobility aids to sensory needs.
What are the camping rules and prohibited items?
Camping ($77 USD/vehicle) covers tents/campervans; flat fields include showers/toilets; no reserving pitches—arrive together for groups. Prohibited: glass, drones, illegal substances, open fires (gas stoves okay in zones). Alcohol from arena bars only (ID checks); own chairs allowed but not in walkways. Eco-focus encourages recycling; stewards enforce gently to protect fields. No pets except assistance dogs (pre-notify). Pack light, respect quiet hours, and leave no trace to keep Cropredy’s green heart thriving for another folk-filled year.
