The Long Road Festival 2026 brought more than 40,000 country music fans together at Stanford Hall in Leicestershire for a four-day celebration of country, roots and Americana music.
Country music fans from across the UK came together in their thousands this weekend as The Long Road Festival 2026 transformed the grounds of Stanford Hall in Leicestershire into a celebration of everything country, roots and Americana.
With more than 40,000 festival-goers attending across the weekend, this year’s event showcased the extraordinary breadth of the country music scene, bringing together international stars, British talent, emerging artists, classic cars, great food and plenty of community spirit.
From traditional country and Americana to rock, folk, funk and contemporary sounds, The Long Road once again proved there is a place for everyone within the genre.
Country Music, Community and a Whole Lot of Rain
Despite typically unpredictable British summer weather, the crowds refused to let the rain dampen their spirits.
Festival-goers danced in the sunshine, sang through the showers and made new friends beneath rainbows – embracing the weekend’s unpredictable conditions with the same optimism and warmth that has become synonymous with The Long Road.
As Dolly Parton famously said, “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” It was a sentiment that felt particularly fitting throughout this year’s festival.
The weekend also saw artists and fans come together to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Dolly Parton, with the festival dedicating a special Dolly Forever Wall to the country icon. Visitors were invited to leave personal messages and memories, reflecting on Parton’s remarkable career and the influence she has had on generations of country artists.
The Long Road 2026 Line-Up Delivers
Friday kicked off the festival in spectacular fashion, with The Shires headlining the Rhinestone Stage.
The British country duo’s performance highlighted the remarkable growth of the UK’s homegrown country scene, with the band having become an important part of the country’s evolving musical landscape.
Elsewhere, Steve Earle delivered a set packed with classic songs and the storytelling that has made him such an influential figure in country and Americana.
The 502s brought plenty of energy and infectious enthusiasm, while Harleymoon Kemp commanded the Interstate Stage. Chanel Yates, affectionately dubbed the festival’s “pocket-sized cowgirl”, also made a memorable impression with her energetic performance.
Ronnie Wood and Imelda May Pay Tribute to Dolly
Saturday brought another packed programme, with Ronnie Wood opening his set with The Rolling Stones classic It’s Only Rock’n’Roll (But I Like It) before moving into Willie Nelson’s On The Road Again.
Wood then welcomed Imelda May onto the stage for a series of performances, with the pair creating one of the weekend’s most memorable moments when they joined forces for Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5.
The day also featured standout performances from Josh Ross, First Time Flyers, Hayley Jensen, Twinnie, Jason and The High Heat and Dawson Anderson.
First Time Flyers’ main-stage appearance was particularly significant, following their journey through the festival’s stages over previous years.
Maren Morris and Emmylou Harris Close Out The Long Road
Sunday brought the festival to an emotional conclusion.
Maren Morris delivered a UK-exclusive performance on the main stage, performing some of her biggest hits including The Middle, Bones and My Church.
One of the weekend’s most poignant performances came from country legend Emmylou Harris, who took to the stage for the final UK date of her European farewell tour.
A close friend and musical collaborator of Dolly Parton, Harris was a fitting artist to honour Parton’s legacy. She performed When We’re Gone, Long Gone, her collaboration with Parton originally released in 1999.
As Stanford Hall was illuminated in pink, Harris delivered an emotional tribute that left the audience captivated.
The final day also featured performances from Ryan and Rory, The Brothers Comatose and Lily Fitts, adding even more variety to the festival’s final line-up.
Supporting the Next Generation of UK Country Artists
The Long Road’s commitment to supporting emerging talent remained a major part of the 2026 festival.
The Homegrown Country Music Contest, hosted by Janet Devlin, gave up-and-coming British artists the opportunity to perform and showcase their talent in front of a live festival audience.
This year’s winner, Josh Beer, impressed the judges and audiences to take the title following a competitive contest.
Meanwhile, Liam Price, who won the competition in 2025, returned to the festival this year to perform on the Rhinestone Stage – demonstrating the opportunities the competition can create for the UK’s next generation of country stars.
More Than Just Music
Music may be at the heart of The Long Road, but the festival offered plenty for visitors to explore away from the stages.
Highlights included a spectacular car and bike show, the Smoke & Fire BBQ food experience, eating competitions and sold-out sittings at the on-site Red Dog Saloon.
The festival also offered crafts and line dancing at The Front Porch from 11am, while the celebrations continued into the early hours with afterparties running until 1am.
Families, pets, lifelong country fans and newcomers to the genre all came together across the Stanford Hall site, creating the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere The Long Road has become known for.
The festival’s Creative Director Baylen Leonard said:
“This year’s Long Road was a fantastic celebration of the spirit and community at the heart of country music.”
He added that the festival aims to create a welcoming environment where everyone can feel “accepted, connected and part of something special”, describing The Long Road as a place that feels like “coming home”.
When Is The Long Road Festival 2027?
With The Long Road 2026 now officially wrapped, country music fans won’t have to wait too long for the next edition.
The Long Road Festival 2027 will take place from 26–29 August 2027 at Stanford Hall in Leicestershire.
Earlybird tickets go on sale Thursday 3 September 2026 at 9:30am, giving fans the chance to secure their place at next year’s festival ahead of what promises to be another huge celebration of country, roots and Americana music.
For more information and tickets, visit the official The Long Road Festival website.
