Country Club Festival Chelmsford
Country Club Festival arrives in Chelmsford this May Bank Holiday with the easy confidence of an event that knows exactly what country fans want: real artists, real stories, and a full day where Nashville spirit settles right into the heart of Essex.
A day built around original country voices
At the centre of the festival’s energy is Harleymoon Kemp, stepping onto the Main Rodeo Stage as the festival’s original-artist headliner. Fresh from winning the Horizon Award for Best Newcomer, she brings the kind of songwriting that blends modern country polish with a distinctly British edge. Her set is positioned as the emotional anchor of the day — the moment where the festival shifts from celebration to something more personal and lived‑in.
Alongside her, the Homegrown Stage champions rising UK talent — the artists shaping the next wave of British country. Expect heartfelt storytelling from Ollie Hawkins, the warm, rootsy charm of Rhiannon Paige, the melodic grit of Ryan Evans, and standout performances from Chloe Loader, Florence Summerville, George Brown, and more to be announced. This stage is where you’ll find the songs you’ll be humming on the drive home.
Tribute acts that keep the party rolling
While the festival’s heart beats with original music, the atmosphere is amplified by a huge roster of tribute artists celebrating the genre’s biggest names. From Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen to Dolly Parton, Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Teddy Swims and more, the day is packed with familiar anthems designed for singing along at full volume. These sets bring the stadium feel — the big choruses, the swagger, the nostalgia — and help turn the festival into a full‑scale country party.
More than a festival — a full country experience
Across Wheelers Farm, the festival layers in the details that make the day feel like a slice of Tennessee:
- Nashville‑style food stalls
- Rodeo bull rides
- Axe throwing and lasso games
- Clothing and hat‑customisation stalls
- American car show
- Full fun fair and photo ops
- Linedancing lessons from the Country Roses
- Hosting from Dustin Dorough, straight from the USA
It’s the kind of event where you can drift from a songwriter’s acoustic set to a high‑energy tribute performance, grab a plate of BBQ, and end up learning a two‑step before sunset.
