If 2025 proved anything, it was that country music in the UK is no longer a niche weekend hobby — it’s a full-on festival season that stretches from seaside fields to royal parks. From long-standing favourites to bright new arrivals, the calendar delivered a thrilling mix of homegrown talent, breakthrough UK acts and the kind of American headliners that make you forget the passport queue.
The season in one sentence
Big crowds, sun (mostly), singalongs from Blackpool to London, and more UK artists on stage than ever before.
Homegrown momentum: C2C turns up the dial on UK talent
C2C has long been the UK’s flagship country weekend, but 2025 felt like a turning point – organisers leaned heavily into the British and Irish scenes, showcasing more UK artists than ever and giving the festival an energised local identity. The result was packed secondary stages and surprise main-stage moments where rising UK names got to play to fans who’d usually only come for the big imports. For a scene that’s been hungry for spotlight time, that shift matters: it’s how careers get built.
Big stages, big names – BST Hyde Park’s country moment
Summer in London felt especially country-flavoured as BST Hyde Park booked two major country acts across its programme, bringing the festival’s trademark scale to country audiences. Zach Bryan’s first concert date sold out, so he returned for a second sold out day. He was followed a week later by Noah Kahan. Having large-scale, stadium-style slots for country artists in such a central venue helped introduce the genre to new listeners who might not chase a field festival and reminded everyone that country belongs on the biggest stages too.
Old favourites, new energy
Some events feel like festival family: the British Country Music Festival and The Long Road both continued to prove their staying power in 2025. Loyal crowds, reliably warm atmospheres and line-ups that mix notable headliners, legacy acts and tomorrow’s stars made these stops feel like reunions as much as concerts. They’re reminders that the UK’s country festival scene has roots as well as wings.
New and noteworthy
2025 gave us Country Calling and Country on the Common – both sharp, two-day newcomers that quickly carved out their own personality. They packed a punch without overreaching: tight production, strong local representation and a programme that balanced the familiar and the adventurous. Expect these to be ones to watch as they return in 2026.
And while the big names get headlines, the smaller gems kept the grassroots humming: Buckle & Boots, Highways, Red Rooster, and Country on the Coast all served up the intimate, fan-first festival vibes that make the season so varied. These events are where you discover a future headliner between the burger van and the craft beer tent.
The international stars who came to play
Across fields and parks, several international acts brought star power to UK stages in 2025 — and they left fans buzzing. Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, Drake Milligan, Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan all made festival appearances that ranged from stadium-sized headline slots to more reflective sets on smaller bills. Their presence underlined a simple truth: the UK is firmly on the map for major country and Americana tours, and festivals are now key touring destinations.
What 2026 looks like (and how to get the best deal)
Looking ahead, most festivals have already confirmed they’re returning in 2026 — and several promoters have started dangling tempting super early-bird deals. That means now is the time for fans who like to plan: grab early-birds for the price peace of mind, check refund policies, and consider wristband upgrades (VIP often sells out). Expect more homegrown names to keep rising into main-stage slots, while the summer will almost certainly bring another round of high-profile international visitors.
Final notes
2025 felt like the moment UK country festivals stopped apologising for being themselves. The mix of long-standing favourites, energetic newcomers, intimate local gatherings and headline-grabbing international acts made for a season that was broad, welcoming and – most importantly – fun. If you were there, you know the feeling. If you missed out, 2026 already looks like another chance to join in.
So whether you’re chasing a Zach Bryan sunset, a Lainey Wilson big singalong, a discovery set at Buckle & Boots, or a C2C bill that finally gives UK artists top billing — festival season is back, louder and more diverse than ever. Keep an eye on box offices for those super early-bird releases and plan your festival 2026 now: the best moments are the ones shared in a field with a cold drink and a great song.
