Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?

Subject: Cropredy - what's it like?
From: Arnie
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 04:19 PM

I've regularly seen Fairport on tour but never made it to Cropredy. However, this year my wife has decided that we're going, so that's it. She's booked a hotel not a million miles from Cropredy and got tickets for Saturday only. Now I'm wondering what it's going to be like there - I mean is it like Glastonbury only without the mud and teenagers? Will the stage be so far away through huge crowds that we'll only get to see little dots in the distance? Is there live music all day or do we wander around craft fairs or what? Anyone advice from previous Cropredy visitors more that welcome!

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: Fran
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 09:10 AM

I am going! I have only been the once before.

Here is a link to a picture of the festival field

The Stage

Can't guarantee there will be no mud! On the Saturday there is a Car boot sale/Craft fayre type thing in the village, there are a few stalls running up each side of the main festival Field in between the food vans.

the Music starts at midday on the Saturday and there are fringe events on in cropredy's two pubs if you don't like who is on stage.

More info can be found here Fairport Convention

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 09:34 AM

The field slopes upwards and is not so big that you can't see the stage.
How close you get is down to whether you want to crowd near the front or just set up a picnic in a comfortable spot where you can see what's going on.
The bar is fairly long and usually sells local beer such as Hook Norton.
There are usually stallsm selling clothing and the usual folkie stuff.

I've not been there since the days when I was single and unattached (Can't afford it at present), but had fun on the few times I did get there.

Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: GUEST,Phot at sea, off Chile
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 10:16 AM

I'd love to take the beautiful Pixie, as last time I went (35th anniversary one) it was great, even the loos are always clean! If you have a motor bike you can camp on the cricket pitch, and I get to meet up with my adopted little sister, Sue. But I don't know if I'll even be in the country, damm Grey Funnel line! Still, only 18 months left, no, 17 months!!

Wassail!! Chris.

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 10:19 AM

Bonjour Matelot

Will you be home for Sidders?

The rest of us will be "all at sea" anyway (after enough of the Ale)

Dave

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: andyval
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 02:05 PM

The Festival and Music actually starts on the Thursday and is well worth going to.

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: rock chick
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 10:55 PM

Been once, weather was so hot. Field was ok but bit of a trek to the stage, well where we were camped with the caravan anyway, local beer was great. Won't be going this year though. I am sure you will have a great time.

rc

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: muppitz
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 07:40 AM

Very much considering it! The line up is fab, my Aunt & Uncle have been for the past 3 years and have always enjoyed it!

muppitz
x

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: GUEST,edthefolkie
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 10:48 AM

Arnie, I'm biased as I've been going since 1979 (only missed one), but here goes....

It's the original homegrown festival, starting from around 4000 attendees back then to anything up to 20,000+ now, and I bet it sells out this year if the weather's good.

The vibes are always extremely positive, the mud is not usually a problem - however it's a standing joke at Croppers that the heavens open if Richard Thompson performs. The food is good and the bar (now approx. the size of an aircraft carrier and serving Wadworth's) is brill. The camping is always very well organised and the loos are positively splendid, not to mention plentiful.

If you want to see the acts up close there is NO PROBLEM, even for old f*rts like me. It is advisable though not to leave the Saturday eve. comfort break until the last minute before Fairport come on, as it gets a bit of a scrum. If you want to listen from a distance, it's OK but there are no big screens etc.

IMHO this year is an absolute must. It's a shame that you are only going on Saturday as you will miss one or two good people - see Fairport's site. See you at the bar.....

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: Mr Red
Date: 05 Jun 07 - 07:41 AM

Not even the fringe. Size does matter and some things are too big.

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: Arnie
Date: 05 Jun 07 - 11:04 AM

Looking at the photos courtesy of Fran, I must remember to bring along a couple of folding chairs - the ones with armholes that support a glass of ale! I see that Wadworth's 6X features on the advertising - this just gets better and better. Maybe next year we'll be buying tickets for the whole event! Suppose the music might be worth a listen too.

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: GUEST,Fran
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 05:32 AM

Its Sold out! Not long now, hope the fields are drying out nicely!

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 06:13 AM

Can I heartily recommend two particular support bands who IMHO are a must see - Kerfuffle is a young band from the Midlands with the most beautiful arrangements of tunes - they don't just play everything as fast as they can, and they have the most astonishing clog dancer (Hannah James) you are likely to see anywhere. She is also the singer and accordion player.

Also "Last Orders" who are also a young band with the amazing melodeon player Joe O'Connor - they were last year's Young Folk Award winners. And if he has his sister Marie-Louise sing then you have just seen a future star in the making.......

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: Fran
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 01:09 PM

Agreed, I saw Kerfuffle for the first time last weekend at Warwick and thoroughly enjoyed the two sets I caught.

I am most looking forward to seeing Richard Thompson live for the first time and the L&L set.

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: Willa
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 05:14 PM

Kerfuffle are indeed very good.

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 04 Aug 07 - 05:39 AM

Don't forget "Last Orders" too!!

Subject: RE: Cropredy 2007 - any Mudcatters going?
From: GUEST, Grambo
Date: 04 Aug 07 - 02:02 PM

I'll be there - after years away (Swarb was there "pre-problem" last time I attended) This time it will be with the family - I don't half feel old........but I guess us old farts need something to look forward to in our dotage. Having just returned (early) from camping in Cornwall I REALLY hope the weather is good 'cos my wife is going to kill me, as everything is "my" idea....... It's encouraging to hear that the beer tent is going strong though!