Music bands pull out of popular Oxfordshire fringe festival

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.”