Cornbury Music Festival keeps it classic

Cornbury Music Festival’s classic line-up this year is packed with true legends, rising stars, must-sees, original rockers, awesome live performers – a lot of big hitters.

Topping the bill on Saturday is the most elegant man in music Mr Bryan Ferry, along with wealth of cool women; pioneering Gospel diva Mavis Staples, purveyor of The Power of Love Gabrielle Aplin and original alt-country star Lucinda Williams. Cornbury favourites, British country stars The Shires make a welcome return, whilst dreamy songsters Turin Brakes bring a blend of new and old sounds. Sealing the bill are trio Red Sky July (husband and wife duo Ally McErlaine [Texas] and Shelly Poole [Alisha’s Attic]) and folky newcomers Cattle & Cane. After his triumph as surprise special guest last year, SEAL returns with his own headline slot on Sunday, along with celebrated singer-songwriter James Morrison and guitar virtuoso Newton Faulkner. 60s rock combo The Zombies join the stellar cast, as does Lighthouse Family frontman Tunde to revisits the band’s classic catalogue. Cornbury perennials STAXS return to their regular Sunday slot, with bets already being taken on who their star guest will be this year. Noah & The Whale guitarist Fred Abbott showcases his new band, Kelvin Jones brings a soulful edge, and musicals star Ramin Karimloo makes his major UK festival debut with a touch of bluegrass. Probably the best party band in the World – Bjorn Again - close the festival from the Songbird Stage in true ABBA style. ‘It really is a classic Cornbury line-up – seriously great artists’, enthuses festival promoter Hugh Phillimore. ‘Of course I’m delighted that Bryan Ferry has agreed to join us and thrilled that Seal couldn’t wait to come back and treat us to a full headline set. We’re also excited to welcome a host of incredible female artists across the generations – Gabrielle Aplin, Lucinda Williams and Mavis Staples.’ Other previously announced artists joining the party over the weekend include the UK’s greatest jazzer Jamie Cullum, 80’s acid jazz pioneers Soul II Soul, R&B troubadour Lemar and rock ‘n’ roll survivor Wilko Johnson, Ska veterans The Beat along with newcomers Port Isla and The Dunwells.