This week, British country-pop duo Ward Thomas has thrilled fans by announcing a major UK tour to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their landmark album Cartwheels. The Cartwheels 10th Anniversary Tour is set to take place in September 2026, with support from fellow UK Americana favourites The Wandering Hearts.
A Full-Circle Moment
Released in September 2016, Cartwheels was a breakthrough not only for Ward Thomas, but for British country music as a whole. The album became the first ever by a UK country act to reach Number 1 on the UK Albums Chart, a milestone that helped carve out space for homegrown country-pop.
Now, a decade later, Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas are returning to that pivotal moment — and doing it with style. As they put it themselves:
“We are SO excited to be celebrating 10 whole years of our No 1 album ‘Cartwheels’! We’ll be heading to some iconic venues as well as coming back to some of our favourites and bringing the band along with us! It feels like it has been a long time since we have done this kind of big show and we cannot wait! It will be a true celebration and a very special tour for us. We hope to see you there!”
A Tour to Remember
Promoters have confirmed that the tour will feature several standout venues, including a special night at the London Palladium. (Country Music) Across the UK, the sisters will be backed by their full band, delivering both powerful ensemble performances and intimate moments drawn straight from their rich harmonies and storytelling.
Joining them on the road are The Wandering Hearts, whose warm, folk-tinged Americana is the perfect companion to Ward Thomas’ evolution from pop-inflected harmonies to a fuller, more mature live sound.
Behind the Tour: Personal Milestones & Reflection
This anniversary is more than just a nostalgic look back — it comes at a deeply personal moment for the duo. In recent weeks, Lizzy and Catherine announced on social media that they are expecting. The news has been met with love and excitement from fans, and adds a poignant layer to the celebration. As the sisters prepare to mark a professional milestone, they are also entering a new chapter in their personal lives.
That dual sense of reflection and forward momentum is something they’ve spoken about before. In a recent CountryMusic.co.uk interview, they discussed their bond, their songwriting process, and how their role in the UK country scene has evolved. (Country Music) In particular, they reflected on their ability to find light and creativity even in difficult times — an ethos that seems to resonate now more than ever as they plan a big, full-band tour and look ahead to becoming mothers.
Where Were Ward Thomas in 2016?
A Decade Since Cartwheels
• Riding High on a UK No.1
In September 2016, Cartwheels made history as the first UK country album to top the Official Albums Chart — a breakthrough moment that put British country on the map.
• Touring Relentlessly
Catherine and Lizzy spent much of the year on the road, building a loyal fanbase through intimate shows, festival slots, and the kind of close-harmony performances that became their signature.
• Breaking Nashville’s Mold
At a time when UK country was still fighting for recognition, Ward Thomas stood out by blending American influences with unmistakably British storytelling.
• Learning, Writing, Growing
The sisters have often reflected on those early years as a whirlwind of songwriting sessions, long van drives, and figuring out who they were as artists — lessons that shaped every album that followed.
• A Snapshot in Time
Cartwheels captured the energy, hope, and honesty of two young artists carving out their space. Now, 10 years later, they revisit it with the perspective of seasoned musicians and soon-to-be mothers.
Looking Back & Moving Forward
In interviews over the years, Ward Thomas have always emphasised their commitment to authenticity, British identity, and heartfelt storytelling — traits that made Cartwheels resonate so deeply. Their 2025 conversation with CountryMusic.co.uk underscored just how much growth they’ve experienced, both musically and personally. (Country Music)
As they revisit Cartwheels in full, fans can expect a setlist that not only honours the original magic but also reflects where the sisters are today — stronger, wiser, and ready to celebrate both past triumphs and future dreams.
Why This Means So Much
- Landmark Album, Landmark Tour: Cartwheels wasn’t just a commercial success — it changed the landscape for UK country music by proving that British voices could thrive in a genre often dominated by Nashville. (Country Music)
- A Family Celebration: With both Lizzy and Catherine expecting, this tour promises to be as emotionally rich as it is musically ambitious.
- Legacy & Growth: Their recent CountryMusic.co.uk interview highlights how their relationship — as sisters, songwriters, and performers — continues to inspire their art. (Country Music)
- A Shared Journey with Fans: For long-time listeners, it’s a chance to relive the songs that defined them. For newer fans, it’s an invitation to experience Cartwheels as the duo intended: full, live, and deeply heartfelt.
ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS: CARTWHEELS (2016)
Chart History
• First UK country album to reach No.1 on the Official Albums Chart — a landmark moment for British country music.
Signature Tracks
• “Cartwheels” – The soaring title track that became a fan favourite.
• “Carry You Home” – A harmony-led anthem that defined the era.
• “Guilty Flowers” – A radio-friendly hit showcasing the duo’s pop-country crossover strength.
Production & Sound
A blend of Nashville polish, British storytelling, and the unmistakable twin harmonies that set Ward Thomas apart.
Critical Response
Praised for its charm, ambition, and emotional honesty, Cartwheels was widely seen as the album that pushed UK country into the mainstream.
Legacy
A decade on, Cartwheels remains the duo’s defining release — the record that opened doors, built community, and set the stage for everything that followed.
Final Thoughts
Ward Thomas’ Cartwheels 10th Anniversary Tour promises to be more than just a set of concerts — it’s a celebration of legacy, family, and the enduring power of harmony. For anyone who’s followed their journey from Hampshire to the top of the charts, this is a moment not to be missed.
Tickets go on sale via Ticketmaster on Friday 21 November at 10 am.
