As the UK continues to embrace the spirit of country, 2026 is shaping up to be another fantastic year for fans of twang, storytelling and live performance. Whether you’re into big international names or homegrown country/Americana talent, there’s plenty on the calendar. Below is a guide to key festivals and concert highlights for 2026 — plus tips to help you make the most of the season.
C2C: Country to Country Festival
Dates: 13–15 March 2026
Venues: The O2 (London), OVO Hydro (Glasgow), SSE Arena (Belfast)
What to Expect: This flagship UK festival returns with major headliners including Brooks & Dunn, Keith Urban, and Zach Top. The festival remains a key platform for mixing global country stars with emerging UK and European acts and some stages are free to see. C2C continues to anchor the UK’s country music calendar and is usually among the first must-see events of the year.
Highways
Dates: 15-17 May 2026
Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London
What to Expect: Highways Festival 2026 will transform London’s Royal Albert Hall into a three‑day celebration of country and Americana, headlined by Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, and the legendary Emmylou Harris. Beyond the main stage, the event also features family‑friendly programming like “Country for Kids”, late‑night specials, and storytelling sessions that highlight the genre’s diversity.
BST Hyde Park
Date: Saturday, 27 June 2026
Venue: Great Oak Stage, BST Hyde Park, London
What to Expect: It’ll be Garth Brooks’ first UK performance in almost 30 years. It’s part of BST Hyde Park’s increasing embrace of country / Americana performers alongside pop, rock etc., showing how country music is now a major component of the UK live-scene.
The Long Road
Dates: 27–30 August 2026
Venue: Stanford Hall, Leicestershire
What to Expect: A three day festival focusing on country, roots & Americana — with camping, car shows, food, craft beer, and more as part of the festival experience. If you prefer a more relaxed, immersive setting where you can soak up rootsy vibes and discover new acts, Long Road is a strong bet.
The British Country Music Festival (TBCMF)
Dates: 4–6 September 2026
Venue: Blackpool (Winter Gardens and indoor stages)
What to Expect: A multi-stage indoor festival spread across iconic venues, with UK and international acts blending country, Americana, roots, and folk influences. The emphasis is on supporting UK talent – emerging and established – with a “gateway” ethos. The indoor format helps guard against typical British weather surprises.
Good To Know: Applications to perform in 2026 are open.
2026 Timeline (by season)
| Season | Key Events / Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Late Winter / Early Spring (March–April) | C2C dominates; follow with Country on the Coast for a grassroots experience. |
| Mid-Summer | Red Rooster (Suffolk), Highways (London), BST Hyde Park (London) |
| Late Summer (August) | The Long Road is a highlight; many local festivals are also taking place around the country. |
| Early Autumn (Sept) | TBCMF is a great close to the festival season; indoor setting helps with weather. But look out for Keep it Country to keep the feeling going. |
2026 Country Music Festivals – where, when and who’s headlining
Find all the festival details here
| Festival | Dates | Location | Headliners |
|---|---|---|---|
| C2C Festival | 13 – 15 March 2026 | London, Belfast, Glasgow | Zach Top, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn |
| Country on the Clyde | 14 – 15 March 2026 | Glasgow | Kristian Bush, July Moon, Bec O’Malley |
| Country West Fest | 28 March 2026 | Yeovil | Kezia Gill |
| Country on the Coast | 17 – 19 April 2026 | Portsmouth | Katy Hurt, Preston D Barnes |
| Highways | 15 – 17 May 2026 | Central London | Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Emmylou Harris |
| Buckle & Boots | 21 – 24 May 2026 | Stockport, Manchester | Dan Smalley, Halle Kearns |
| Red Rooster Festival | 28 – 30 May 2026 | Euston, Suffolk | Bobby Rush, Valerie June (Americana focused) |
| Speedfest | 6 – 7 June 2026 | Brands Hatch, Kent | Harleymoon Kemp, Chanel Yates |
| Country on the Eye* | 12-13 June 2026 | Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire | Gary Quinn, Bob Cheevers |
| Towerfest | 18 – 21 June 2026 | Drax, N. Yorkshire | The Breeze |
| State Fayre | 26 – 28 June 2026 | Chelmsford, Essex | Alanis Morissette (Rock focused festival) |
| BST Hyde Park Garth Brooks | 27 June 2026 | Hyde Park, London | Garth Brooks, Zac Brown Band, Ashley McBryde |
| Maverick Festival | 3 – 5 July 2026 | Woodbridge, Suffolk | Waco Brothers, Rose’s Pawn Shop (Americana focused) |
| Together Again – Ranch Stage | 24 – 26 July 2026 | Bolesworth Castle, Chester | Alyssa Bonagura, Morganway |
| Country on the Common | 4 – 5 July 2026 | Tooting Common, London | TBA |
| Kent Country County Fair | 8 August 2026 | Canterbury | Billy Bubba King, Smokin Mavericks |
| Country Calling | 14 – 16 August 2026 | Chelmsford, Essex | Parmalee, Randy Hauser |
| The Long Road | 27 – 30 August 2026 | Leicestershire | Bailey Zimmerman |
| British Country Music Festival | 4 – 6 September 2026 | Blackpool | Cammy Barnes. Elles Bailey, SmithField |
| Northern Star | Not confirmed | Inverness | TBA |
| Cancelled | London, Wolverhampton | 2025 featured Fancy Hagood, Eric Paslay, Twinnie | |
| Cancelled | Newport, Wales | Festival organiser announced the event will not return as a festival |
* New for 2026
TBA = To be announced
Click here to get the details of all the upcoming UK country music festivals
Tips for Attending
- Early Bird Tickets: Many festivals offer discounted early bird tickets, so it’s worth booking early to save money.
- Accommodation: Book your accommodation well in advance, especially for festivals in popular locations like London and Blackpool.
- Festival Essentials: Pack essentials like comfortable clothing, a portable phone charger, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
2026 Set to be a Record-Breaking Year
With such a stellar lineup of artists, 2026 is set to be an even bigger year for country music in the UK. Whether you’re a fan of traditional country sounds or more contemporary styles, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to grab your tickets early and get ready for an amazing year of live music!
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the genre, these festivals and concerts offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy live music, discover new artists, and immerse yourself in the vibrant country music scene.
Are you planning to attend any of these festivals or concerts? Let us know which ones you’re most excited about!
