One of the UK’s fastest growing festivals, The Long Road, is back this summer boasting its largest capacity yet following a sold out event in 2023. Today they announce the first names for 2024, revealing a fresh crop of the finest country, Americana, roots, rock and folk stars, with over 35 acts so far heading to the heart of the English countryside this August bank holiday weekend.
Returning to the picturesque grounds of Stanford Hall in Leicestershire between 23rd to 25th August, this summer’s three day showdown of American music and culture immersion is set to see fans and families from all corners converge for the fifth edition of TLR.
Leading the charge for this year’s lineup is Nashville sensation Russell Dickerson, whose electrifying live performances and chart-topping hits have earned him a dedicated global following. Since bursting onto the scene, Dickerson’s first four singles all rose to No. One consecutively, with all four tracks earning platinum certification or higher. Dickerson just notched his fifth career No. One with “God Gave Me A Girl,” adding to his growing list of chart-topping singles including “Yours” (3X Platinum), “Blue Tacoma” (2X Platinum), “Every Little Thing” (Platinum), and “Love You Like I Used To” (Platinum). Since his breakout track “Yours”, Dickerson’s signature blend of modern country has been striking a chord and is primed for a headline set to remember on TLR’s Rhinestone mainstage.
In anticipation of the headlining The Long Road this summer, Russell Dickerson said:
“Any time I have the chance to tour in the UK, I have the best experience and can’t wait to return. I’m so stoked to not only be returning, but to be headlining the Long Road Festival. It’s gonna be a blast!”
The Long Road festival continues to cement its status as the ultimate destination for Country and Americana music and culture this side of the Atlantic. The first names revealed for this year’s lineup already point to a diverse spectrum of talent, spanning the biggest icons, celebrated songwriters and alternative sounds. Leading the Red Dirt renaissance from Lubbock, Texas, Flatland Cavalry bring their distinctive fusion of traditional country with contemporary influences, resonating deeply with themes of rural life, love, and personal introspection. Wyatt Flores, another artist raised on Red Dirt and Oklahoma country influences, carries with him a legion of fans, hooked on hits like ‘West of Tulsa’ – which has amassed over 180 million global streams – and his altogether earthy and honest storytelling.
Fans can expect to get swept away by the soundscapes of American Aquarium, whilst excitement builds for Chapel Hart, the acclaimed sisters hailing from Poplarville, Mississippi, as they answer the call of popular demand with a triumphant return to headline the opening Friday night of festivities. Expect infectious honky-tonk rhythms brought by the Red Clay Strays and the eagerly anticipated Randall King – the man who’s kept the twang alive in country’s mainstream, whilst Colbie Caillat‘s folk-pop charm and Brittney Spencer‘s Nashville sound mesmerises all. Alongside the contemporary indie Americana of Andrew Combs and Emmy Award-Winner Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors, Kristian Bush, previously one half of the CMA and Grammy Award winning super duo Sugarland, Illinois poet Pokey Lafarge has also been enlisted to charm the crowds with his wry humour and roots music sensibilities, in the wake of his incoming ‘Rhumba Country’ album release.
Chapel Hart talk about the returning to Stanford Hall this summer: “We are thrilled to be back at the Long Road Festival! The UK has some of the most passionate country fans in the world, and we’re counting down the days until we connect with the community and perform some of our new music! TLR…LET’S GO!!!!!”
Pokey Lafarge adds: “Ah, sunny England…in August…I can’t wait! I’m grateful and excited to be playing The Long Road Festival and taking the good people to Rhumba Country for an hour or so.”
Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors said: “We are thrilled to make the trek across the Atlantic for the Long Road festival. We have heard from our artist friends that it is one of their favorite summer festivals in the UK. Thrilled to be invited! See y’all soon.”
Colbie Caillat adds: “I am so excited to return to the UK this summer to play The Long Road Festival. This will be my first time performing in Leicestershire and I can’t wait to be there and share this experience with the fans!”
Brittney Spencer talks about returning to TLR this summer: “I’m looking forward to being back in the UK this year! I love performing here, and I’m looking forward to The Long Road festival!”
2024 will also see the return of special stage takeovers courtesy of London Independent record label Loose Music and Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer, as well as a new stage takeover by western footwear brand Ariat. With many acts more still to come, today’s news also features the welcome addition of Adeem the Artist, Angie K, Dan Davidson, Kaitlin Butts, Gina Larner, Jake Vaadeland, Kassi Valazza, Lola Kirke, Meg McRee, Michael Warren, S.G. Goodman, Southall, The Homecoming String Band, Tiera Kennedy and Vincent Neil Emerson.
The Long Road has made its name by hand selecting the most exciting acts from across the pond, though there’s always lots of love for TLR’s hometown sounds. This year’s raft of UK names is second to none and features pop-country trio Remember Monday, Norwich country rocker Brown Horse, modern folk artist Clara Mann, British-American actress and singer-songwriter Lola Kirke, Birmingham duo My Darling Clementine, and the first artist to be signed by Ed Sheeran’s new record label, Gingerbread Man Records, Jamie Lawson.
Commenting on today’s announcement, TLR’s Tennessee-born Creative Director Baylen Leonard said: “We couldn’t be happier with how this year’s line up is shaping up, and can’t wait to welcome this growing community home to The Long Road again this August, after last year’s sell out. The countdown to TLR 5 begins!”
The Long Road is more than just a music festival – it’s a celebration of everything that makes Country and Americana culture so special. With a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, The Long Road is the perfect place to come and discover new music, make new friends, and experience the warmth and camaraderie that makes this scene so unique. In addition to the incredible line-up, The Long Road will offer a range of fun activities for families of all ages and vendors selling incredible stateside street food featuring the very best in the art of true BBQ style and campfire cooking.
From the Sounds Familiar Music Quiz (new for 2024), to late night entertainment at the Buck n’ Bull and Yee Haw after parties, and live Countryoke at Buddy’s Bar, there’s something here for everyone. Firm favourites remain during the day with The Lucky Dice Classic Car and Bike Show, Wild Swimming and Mechanical Bull Rides as well as the exceptional craft beer and liquor bar to round out the whole experience. Plus there’s plenty of dog friendly activities to entertain the furry companions at TLR, who can join in with Tootles & Nibs Dog Show. Think your dog looks like Kenny Rogers, or is the sharpest looking in a Stetson? The Country Costume Parade is the place to spotlight the best dressed dogs in country! Dogs with special talents, whether it’s singing like Dolly Parton, dancing the Texas Two—err Four Step, or adorably sitting and blankly staring, will have a chance to shine at the talent show, The Rex Factor. Test your dog’s willpower as they walk past tasty and irresistible treats without scoffing the lot at The Gauntlet of Temptation.
Accommodating all, there’s a range of camping and glamping options, including Pitch & Park and Live-in Vehicle areas for RV’s of every size. Guests can also take advantage of a luxury glamping experience and really make The Long Road a home away from home for the weekend. Due to popular demand, The Long Road has increased the camping capacity for 2024, giving more people the chance to spend their bank holiday weekend in the gorgeous grounds of Stanford Hall.
The Long Road festival takes place 23rd to 25th August 2024 at Stanford Hall, Leicestershire. With more to be announced in the coming months, Weekend, Camping and High Falootin’ VIP tickets are on sale now and selling fast. Live-I no n Vehicle and Pitch & Park passes are on final release, all available via: https://www.thelongroad.com/tickets/
