NEW wave legends Squeeze and singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading will join Fairport Convention at this year’s Cropredy music festival.

The festival – which runs from Thursday, August 9, to Saturday, August 11 – has also put its tickets on sale early because organisers say there is a huge demand.

Popular folk rock group Bellowhead will play before Squeeze on Thursday, after organisers said revellers “begged” them to return.

The Saw Doctors and ex-Fairport songwriter Richard Thompson will play before Love And Affection star Joan Armatrading on Friday.

Scottish rockers Big Country and former Dr Hook star Dennis Locorriere will play before Fairport Convention on Saturday.

The folk heroes – celebrating 45 years together this year – have hosted the festival in the north Oxfordshire village since 1976.

New acts will include BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winner Ioscaid and Calan, Ellen And The Escapades, Larkin Poe and Brother & Bones.

Fairport lead singer Simon Nicol said: “Cropredy has always thrived on variety.

“The music we’ve selected ranges from pop and rock to reggae and folk, a line-up to appeal to most tastes.”

After a resurgence in festival culture in recent times, many UK events were axed this year as the recession bit.

Harvest ran into difficulties and promoter Big Wheel Promotions made losses of more than £1m, leading to claims by Oxfordshire creditors.

And the Truck festival at Steventon near Abingdon had to be saved after it made a loss last year.

Cropredy tickets range from £70 to £110 and 12-year-olds go free when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

For tickets, visit fairportconvention.com or call 0900 637 1644.