Fairport's Cropredy Convention, Oxfordshire's longest-established rock festival, has sold all the available tickets ten days before the gates open. The unprecedented demand means the festival's box office has now closed several days earlier than usual.

cropredy

The festival's organisers are warning fans without tickets not to turn up on the off-chance of getting in.

"We are really delighted so many people are coming to Cropredy and we want to thank everyone for their continuing support," says Festival Director Gareth Williams. "However, the capacity of our site is limited by the premises license as well as considerations of safety and comfort for our festival-goers. So once we reach our capacity of 20,000 that's it."

"We really hate to disappoint people but if anyone without a concert ticket is thinking of coming along in the hope of buying one at the gate, I'm afraid they will be wasting their journey," says Mr Williams.

The three-day outdoor festival of rock, pop and acoustic music has been running for 35 years. It is organised by folkrock legends Fairport Convention and takes place on 7, 8, and 9 August 2014.

In past years, Fairport's Cropredy Convention has reached capacity by selling tickets on the gate once the festival has started but has only sold all the tickets in advance once before (in 2007).

The organisers are also warning fans to beware of touts selling forged tickets or fake entry wristbands. "If anyone offers you a ticket or wristband, don't be fooled," says Mr Williams. "Report them immediately to our security staff at the festival entrances."

This year's headliners at Cropredy include The Waterboys, Chas & Dave, The Australian Pink Floyd Show and Marillion. The customary Saturday night headline performance from host band Fairport Convention will be preceded by a set from Al Stewart.

Celtic bands include Scotland's Capercaillie, Ireland's Cara Dillon and Brittany's Churchfitters while Wales will be represented by emerging artist Deborah Rose. Other notable acts include Steve Hackett's Genesis Extended and The Wonder Stuff. As in previous years, Cropredy will also feature the winners of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award.