3:20pm Friday 26th February 2010
By Tim Hughes
THE organiser of Oxfordshire’s Cornbury Music Festival says he is hopeful of attracting a number of “legendary international artists” to this year’s event.
Tickets have now gone on sale for the event, which takes place at Cornbury Park, near Charlbury on July 3 and 4.
And while promoter Hugh Phillimore has announced the first tranche of bands for the seventh annual festival, he is keeping the identity of the big-name headline acts a closely guarded secret.
The Oxford Mail has already exclusively revealed that this year’s line-up would feature ’80s pop band Squeeze – famous for such songs as Cool for Cats and Up the Junction – and Chicago blues great Buddy Guy, rated one of the best guitarists in the world.
We can now reveal other names to grace the stages in the grounds of Lord and Lady Rotherwick’s stately home include the late Ian Dury’s former band The Blockheads, singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner, Young Hearts Run Free singer Candi Staton, and hotly-tipped Los Angeles rock girl Tiffany Page.
But Mr Phillimore tells music-lovers that they can also look forward to some “very big names indeed”.
He said: “This is going to be the best Cornbury Festival.
“I can’t yet name the headliners, but I have been talking to at least six big names, including three legendary international artists.
“We need big names for a festival like this but also need to be true to our brand. It is a family village fete with rock ’n’ roll, and this year’s bill will be typically Cornbury, with a mix of heritage and up-and-coming acts. We are getting the best artists we can.”
While revellers have previously enjoyed sets from the likes of Paul Simon, Amy Winehouse, Robert Plant Elvis Costello and Blondie, the event has consistently struggled to make money – remaining resolutely uncommercial in character.
This year Mr Phillimore is hoping to reverse his fortunes with the help of a clutch of stars and festival sponsors – including superstore chain Waitrose, which backed the event in its early years.
He will also be raising money for the weekend’s official charity Macmillan Cancer Relief.
He said: “I must be mad to be doing it again.
@It’s hard work, but the comments from people make it all worthwhile.”
Tim Bearder, presenter of BBC Radio Oxford’s local music show The Download is a big fan of the festival.
He said: “There are loads of festivals in Oxfordshire, with Truck, Cropredy and Rewind, but Cornbury is different.
“It is a real family festival, and has a great mix of big international names and local talent. “Hugh is a big supporter of local music, giving a platform to some great Oxford bands.”
Tickets, costing £95 for a weekend or £115 with camping, are available from cornburyfestival.com VIP and day tickets are also available. Revellers aged 70 and over, or 12 and under, get in free.
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