As the clock strikes midnight and we step into a brand-new year, all of us at CountryMusic.co.uk want to wish our readers, artists, promoters and fans a very Happy New Year.
If the past twelve months have taught us anything, it’s this: UK Country music isn’t just growing – it’s thriving, evolving, and confidently claiming its place on the global stage.
Looking back, the year just gone feels like one of those turning-point chapters you’ll remember years from now. The gigs were bigger, the audiences louder, the community stronger, and the sense of momentum unmistakable.
A Year of Big Names and Bigger Nights
One of the most visible signs of the genre’s strength in the UK has been the sheer number of sell-out tours by major Country artists. From London to Leeds, Glasgow to Cardiff, UK fans proved time and again that they will show up – and show up in force – when Country comes to town.
International superstars packed out arenas, while established favourites returned to the UK to rapturous receptions that felt warmer and louder than ever. At the same time, rising artists found themselves playing upgraded venues, selling out rooms that only a few years ago might have felt like a stretch.
What stood out wasn’t just the scale of these tours, but the atmosphere. UK crowds have a reputation for being passionate, knowledgeable and unashamedly emotional, and this year they lived up to it. Sing-alongs, cowboy hats, hand-written signs and social feeds flooded with tour memories became the norm rather than the exception.
A Stronger Industry: The Arrival of the UK CMA
Behind the scenes, another huge step forward took place with the establishment of a second industry body, the UK Country Music Association (UK CMA), joining the historic British Country Music Association. Its arrival marks a significant moment for the genre, signalling maturity, structure and ambition within the UK Country scene.
With multiple organisations now working to support artists, professionals and grassroots initiatives, the industry feels broader, more representative and better equipped to nurture talent at every level. From advocacy and networking to education and recognition, the UK CMA adds another vital pillar to an already growing ecosystem.
For artists and industry professionals alike, this development sends a clear message: UK Country music is here to stay, and it’s serious about its future.
Thousands of Gigs, One Community
If big tours tell one part of the story, the grassroots live scene tells another – and arguably the most important one.
Over the past year, CountryMusic.co.uk has been proud to list thousands of live Country, Americana and roots gigs across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. From intimate acoustic nights in pubs and clubs to full-band shows in theatres and festival tents, the diversity of live music on offer has been extraordinary.
To make it even easier for fans to get involved, we introduced our “Find a gig near me” search option. Whether you’re a long-time Country devotee or someone who’s just discovered the genre, being able to quickly find shows in your area has helped connect audiences with artists in a meaningful, real-world way.
Live music is the lifeblood of Country, and seeing rooms fill up night after night – often with artists playing multiple regions in a single week – has been one of the most rewarding sights of the year.
UK Artists Taking Their Moment
This has also been a standout year for UK Country artists. Homegrown talent continued to raise the bar, delivering records, performances and tours that comfortably stand alongside international acts.
More artists crossed borders, both literally and figuratively, finding new audiences at home and abroad. Collaborations flourished, songwriting sharpened, and the sense of a uniquely British Country voice became clearer than ever. Importantly, fans showed they’re willing to champion UK acts just as passionately as those from Nashville and beyond.
Looking Ahead to 2026: The Best Is Yet to Come
As exciting as the past year has been, the road ahead looks just as bright. 2026 is already shaping up to be another huge year for UK Country fans, with major tours and festivals firmly on the horizon.
Early announcements point to headline shows from some of the genre’s biggest names, alongside long-awaited UK returns and first-time visitors ready to test the volume of British crowds. Festival season is set to deliver once again, with favourites such as C2C: Country to Country, The Long Road, Garth Brooks, and a growing number of regional events continuing to spotlight both international stars and UK talent.
Meanwhile, the grassroots scene shows no signs of slowing down. New venues, new promoters and new artists are constantly emerging, ensuring that wherever you are in the UK, live Country music is never far away.
Thank You for Being Part of It
None of this happens without you – the fans who buy tickets, the artists who pour their hearts into songs, the promoters who take risks, and the venues that open their doors night after night.
As we step into the New Year, we’re excited to keep doing what we do best: championing UK Country music, supporting the live scene, and helping you discover your next favourite gig. Looking ahead, we’re rolling out exciting updates to CountryMusic.co.uk — from a ‘favourite’ gig option with smart reminders and recommendations to even more in‑depth interviews with the artists you can’t get enough of.
Here’s to new songs, packed rooms, unforgettable nights, and another incredible year for UK Country.
Happy New Year from all of us at CountryMusic.co.uk – we’ll see you down the front in 2026.
