The Long Road Festival returned to Leicestershire’s Stanford Hall over the August Bank Holiday weekend (22–24 August) for its biggest year to date, cementing its place as the UK’s largest outdoor celebration of Country, Americana, and Roots music. Almost 100 artists from across the globe—spanning the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Africa, and Europe—performed across six stages, with headline sets from Drake Milligan, Midland, and James Bay proving to be standout highlights.
A Festival Beyond Music
Fans once again travelled from across the UK to soak up the festival’s unique mix of stateside sounds, flavours, and culture. The weekend was packed with not only world-class performances, but also BBQ showcases, family-friendly activities, a classic car and bike show hosted by Lucky Dice, and thought-provoking “In Conversation” Q&As curated by Holler.
Festival co-founder Baylen Leonard hailed the weekend as a landmark moment:
“The Long Road ‘25 was our biggest and best yet. We couldn’t be happier with the community that we’ve all built together as a country family. Our greatest achievement is that it means so much to so many people. Thank you to all the stellar artists and the wonderful Long Roaders who join us at Stanford Hall to make The Long Road what it is.”
Celebrating New Music & Old Friends
The Hitching Post stage made its debut this year, hosting special events including a Lainey Wilson-themed line dancing session with Lil’ Nashville, celebrating the Deluxe edition of Whirlwind, and a listening party for Russell Dickerson’s new album Famous Back Home.
Elsewhere, fans were treated to stage takeovers from familiar names and new partners alike. Loose Music, Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer, and Snakefarm Records each curated line-ups showcasing the breadth and diversity of modern Country and Americana. Rissi Palmer summed up the spirit of the festival:
“From the fans, the artists, and the sounds, it’s nothing but joy from the moment we step foot on the grounds. I am forever grateful for the opportunity.”
Homegrown Talent Takes Centre Stage
A major new addition in 2025 was the festival’s inaugural Homegrown Talent competition, highlighting The Long Road’s commitment to supporting emerging British artists. Hosted by Neighbours star and Americana artist Alan Fletcher, six finalists performed before a panel of industry judges. Rising star Liam Price was crowned the winner, earning a career-boosting package including a slot at CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, a recording session with Snakefarm Records, PR support, national radio airplay, and a guaranteed return to perform at The Long Road 2026.
Community, Culture, and Connection
The festival’s ethos—“Welcome Home Old Friend”—was once again at the heart of the weekend. Each stage was designed to echo the different venues that shape an artist’s career, from intimate front-porch settings to the grandeur of The Rhinestone Stage. Together, they created an atmosphere that was immersive, inclusive, and unmistakably unique to The Long Road.
Industry voices praised the festival’s spirit. Ricky Marshall, Head of Content at Absolute Radio Country, described it as:
“A beautifully crafted and inclusive festival where you can see the smiles on the faces of the fans, enjoying a weekend united in a love of Country music.”
Meanwhile, Holler co-founder David Jacobs reflected on the weekend’s buzz:
“The Long Road Festival gets what it takes to build something special – a place where great Country music and great partnerships come together.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
After a record-breaking year, The Long Road Festival has already confirmed dates for 2026: Friday 28th to Sunday 30th August, with an exciting new Thursday night add-on (27th August) for campers eager to start the party early.
Tickets go on sale Thursday 28th August at 10AM BST via thelongroad.com/tickets. The line-up will be revealed early next year, but if 2025 is anything to go by, fans can expect another unforgettable celebration of Country, Americana, and Roots at its very best.
