The Brasenose Arms in Station Road, Cropredy near Banbury hosts the annual Brasenose Fringe alongside Fairport’s Cropredy Convention, which is a separate entity.

This year’s event, expected to pull in 20,000 music lovers from across the county and beyond, will take place from Thursday, August 13 to Saturday, August 15.

However, acts are pulling out of the fringe festival over allegations that the pub is not paying staff properly.

In response, the pub said it is doing the best it can while cash flow is under “significant strain”.

Folk rock group TRADarrr has announced it will be looking to perform at a different venue than the Brasenose Arms this year in light of the controversies.

The band said in a statement that members made the decision “in the light of recent developments and comment”.

It added: “As a band we won’t be making any public comment on our reasons but we’re confident we’ve made the right decision.

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“Ticket holders have all been messaged and we’ll be going ahead with the gig.

“We’re looking at a couple of options and hope we can make an announcement very soon about where it will take place.

“In the meantime, refunds will be made to those people who want one – but we hope you’ll bear with us while we make arrangements and keep your bookings.

Crowds enjoy Cropredy’s festival (Image: Neil Baggins)

Crowds enjoy Cropredy’s festival (Image: Neil Baggins)

“Above all, we love our Fairport family and support any decisions made by fellow musicians trying to make a living and perform for their fans in these tricky times.

“Cropredy was one of the first festivals we played and our hearts firmly lie with the FC community who have shown us so much love over the last 11 years.”

Singer and bassist Miranda Sykes and the band Greenman Rising have also pulled out of performing at the pub, citing the controversies.

Folk duo Chris While & Julie Matthews added: “After becoming aware of information previously unknown to us, we have made the decision to withdraw from this year’s Brasenose Fringe Festival.

“We sincerely apologise to those who purchased tickets expecting to see us. This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but we believe it is the right one.”

Rebecca Ryan, director at the Brasenose Arms, said: “The pub has faced financial difficulties hampered by the closure of the canal last summer and the downturn in the hospitality trade due to the cost of living crisis.

“This has put a significant strain on our cash flow. We are doing our best to trade out of the situation.

“We have communicated with all who are owed monies and most have been very understanding for which we are grateful.

“We will continue to make payments to the parties moving forward.”

Fairport’s spokesman Gareth Williams said: “We are of course aware of the controversy regarding The Brasenose but, as you rightly say, the ‘Fringe’ is a separate entity to the festival itself and our reputation for supporting local charities etc in the village will I’m sure, remain intact.

“We are not in touch with The Brasenose and so cannot comment further.”

The Michelin-starred chef was born in Johnstone and grew up in Scotland until the age of nine, before moving to England with his family.

Mr Ramsay has since found worldwide success with an empire consisting of numerous TV Series and over 90 restaurants across the globe.

He previously spoke about his Oxfordshire links on the High Performance podcast, living in a Banbury council flat.

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Now, Bake Off 2023 winner Matty Edgell has claimed in an interview with Lottoland that he’d like to see Mr Ramsay replace Mr Hollywood on the show, should the former leave.

Mr Hollywood has been on the show since its original series on the BBC, and will once again be there in the next season alongside new judge and Oxford University graduate, Nigella Lawson.

He said: “I’ll go with Gordon Ramsay… but I don’t think I’d apply, I’d be too scared.

“I’m not sure he’d say yes to the job. He seems like a very busy man.”

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Reflecting on the topic more, Mr Edgell added: “I briefly met Gordon Ramsay in Ibiza when he was opening Hell’s Kitchen.

“I don’t think it has to be someone obvious like Gordon Ramsay, but he is a pastry chef, isn’t he, so could definitely do it.”

“It could also be someone that we’re not all familiar with.”

The comments come as Ramsay has just launched his new Netflix documentary series, offering a behind-the-scenes look at his life and career.

The pursuit of a White Audi began in Reading on Thursday, March 26, before officers brought the vehicle to a halt on White Hill (A4130), on the approach to Henley Bridge.

Photos shared with The Reading Chronicle showed multiple police cars parked on the curb near Leander Club with blue lights flashing, as officers stood in the background.

Tyrique Landers, 25, of Hawthorne Crescent, Slough, was remanded in custody and has since been charged for 12 counts of nine different offences.

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He was charged with three counts of criminal damage to property, valued under £5,000, two counts of assault by beating, and one count each of; using violence to secure entry to premises, using a motor vehicle in public without third-party insurance, intentional strangulation, possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in public, driving a motor vehicle dangerously, driving while disqualified, failing to provide a specimen for analysis as a vehicle driver.

Police charge man after high-speed police pursuit (Image: Passer-by Dylan)

The suspect was initially arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse, dangerous driving, and driving while disqualified.

He is due to appear at Reading Crown Court later this month on Monday, April 20.