Festival Review: Country on the Common 2025
Wandsworth, London
A Milestone for Country Music in the UK
Country on the Common—London’s first outdoor country music festival—brought a full weekend of entertainment to Tooting Common, blending live performances with line dancing, themed bars, free activities, and immersive Americana flair. Saturday saw 6,000 fans soaking up the sunshine across two stages, while around 4,500 braved the showers on Sunday to catch big-name acts and boot-stomping fun. With barn dances, tribute sets, and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, the festival proved the appetite for boots, harmonies, and country community is alive and well—even when the skies don’t play nice.
Saturday’s Highs and Lows
Saturday felt electric from the outset, with sunshine, stacked line-ups, and an atmosphere more Nashville than SW London.
Main Stage Highlights:
- ✨ First Time Flyers brought harmonies and energy that got the crowd singing along from the first chorus. Their set was punchy, modern, and full of charisma.
- ✨ Ward Thomas added emotional resonance and sibling charm, while One Night in Nashville delivered stomping Americana fun.
- ✨ The Shires capped off the evening in style with their polished, heartfelt performance—proving once again why they’re the UK’s leading country duo.
Travelling Barn Standouts:
- Sarah Jayne’s Dolly Parton Experience was a crowd magnet—packed shoulder-to-shoulder with fans belting out “9 to 5.”
- Cut A Shine Barn Dance Band had boots tapping and families spinning in circles.
- DJ Chris Armstrong wrapped things up with a lively set joined by The Country Roses.
But It Wasn’t All Smooth Sailing…
Many fans were left frustrated by long queues for food and drinks. Waits exceeding an hour sparked complaints, and the limited number of vendors couldn’t keep up with demand. Organisers were quick to recognise the issue and things were remedied for Sunday with extra bars and food outlets.
Sunday’s Soulful Finale
With rain clouds rolling in, Sunday’s attendance dipped, but the music fans didn’t lose heart especially with Alyssa Bonagura performing “I Make My Own Sunshine!”
Main Stage Gems:
- ✨ The Folly Brothers and Kezia Gill brought fire and storytelling grit that had poncho-clad fans cheering from the muddy grass.
- ✨ Alyssa Bonagura delivered vocals with warmth and rawness that cut through the drizzle.
- ✨ Remember Monday closed the festival with their Eurovision hit, giving the weekend a rousing and emotional finale.
Travelling Barn Highlights:
- Errol Linton added bluesy depth, and Johnny Cash Roadshow offered a raucous dose of outlaw nostalgia.
- Toby Lee wowed with guitar licks that punched through the damp atmosphere, ending on a high note.
Voices from the Grassroots
Festivalgoer Eileen Kiernan, shared her delight:
“I’m actually from the States and have country music in my veins. Loved that there were free things to do as well as some of the usual experiences that cost a bit. The line dancing was good fun and most people made an effort to dress up, which added to the fun. Music was good. We brought a blanket and enjoyed relaxing and dancing when the music moved us.”
Her quote captures what Country on the Common did so well—blending relaxed family vibes with country-lovin’ energy, where dressing up, dancing, and finding joy in the little things felt just as important as the headline acts.
Final Thoughts
Country on the Common 2025 was a groundbreaking celebration for the UK’s country scene. While logistical missteps dulled Saturday’s sparkle for some, the festival’s heart—its artists and audience—shone through loud and proud. With lessons learned, it has every chance to become a summer staple.
Fans can keep the country vibes going and discover where these artists—and many more—are playing next by heading to CountryMusic.co.uk, the go-to destination for gigs, news, and all things twang-tastic.
Let’s hope next year brings better planning, bigger crowds, and just a little more sun.
