THE LONG ROAD FESTIVAL CELEBRATES BIGGEST YEAR EVER – TICKETS FOR 2026 ON SALE THIS THURSDAY
Across the Bank Holiday weekend, the festival recorded a total footfall of over 30,000, with artists from across the world of Country & Americana taking the stage
The Long Road 2026 confirmed for Aug 27-30, with an optional Thursday add-on available to all campers
Credit: Chloe Hashemi
LONDON, U.K. – (26 August, 2025) – The UK’s largest outdoor Country, Americana and Roots festival, The Long Road, returned for its biggest year yet this Bank Holiday weekend (Aug 22-24) in Leicestershire, with almost 100 artists from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Africa and Europe performing across six stages, including acclaimed headliners Drake Milligan, Midland, and James Bay.
Fans from across the country descended on the picturesque grounds of Stanford Hall in Lutterworth for a gathering of stateside music, food, and culture. More than just music, the festival featured BBQ demonstrations, the Lucky Dice classic car and bike show, ‘In conversation’ Q&A sessions hosted by Holler, family activities, and its famously welcoming atmosphere that has kept audiences returning year after year.
Festival co-founder Baylen Leonard said: “The Long Road ‘25 was our biggest and best yet. We couldn’t be happier with the community that we’ve all built together as a country family. We pour our heart and soul into building a special and unique festival, and our greatest achievement is that it means so much to so many people. Thank you to all the stellar artists and the wonderful Long Roaders who join us at Stanford Hall to make The Long Road what it is.”
Performers from previous years continue to have a presence at The Long Road, with hundreds of fans taking part in a Lainey Wilson-themed line dancing session in collaboration with Lil’ Nashville, to celebrate the release of the Deluxe version of her album Whirlwind; along with a listening party to mark the latest album from 2024 headliner Russell Dickerson, Famous Back Home – both held at the brand new Hitching Post stage.
Additionally, stage takeovers hosted by returning partners Loose Music and Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer, and new stage partner Snakefarm Records showcased a diverse mix of new artists from across the Country & Americana scene.
“As always, Long Road is the highlight of my performance year,” says Rissi Palmer. “From the fans, the artists, and the sounds, it’s nothing but joy from the moment we step foot on the grounds. I am forever grateful for the opportunity.”
On Sunday (Aug 24) The Hitching Post also played host to The Long Road’s inaugural Homegrown Talent competition, part of the festival’s commitment to supporting emerging British talent. From the hundreds of artists who applied, a shortlist of six finalists performed to a packed venue and a panel of industry judges, hosted by Neighbours TV star and Americana artist Alan Fletcher. The winner, Liam Price, has been offered a package including a performance at CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, a recording session with Snakefarm Records, PR support, airplay on Absolute Radio Country; and will perform at The Long Road Festival 2026.
“As the festival grows, the bar gets raised even higher,” shared Ricky Marshall, Head of Content at Absolute Radio Country, who broadcast special programming from the festival site featuring exclusive interviews and content on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August – listen here. “From stand out performances to brand new stages and areas, The Long Road is a beautifully crafted and inclusive festival where you can see the smiles on the faces of the fans, enjoying a weekend united in a love of Country music. For Absolute Radio Country it’s a chance to meet our growing army of listeners and it’s a privilege to be part of.”
Holler co-founder David Jacobs added, “The Long Road Festival gets what it takes to build something special – a place where great Country music and great partnerships come together. We couldn’t be happier to have been part of such an alive and buzzing festival.”
Returning for a sixth year to embrace its ‘Welcome Home Old Friend’ ethos, the festival’s team has laid out a guiding principle inspired by the timeless phrase ‘Three Chords and the Truth’ – a belief that music is for everyone, and that honesty, inclusivity, and respect are at the heart of everything The Long Road sets out to do.
With performances on stages inspired by the different kinds of venues an artist might play throughout their career, from a dive bar or quiet front porch to the large-scale setting of the The Rhinestone Stage, each reflects the many homes of country and roots music, not just in sound, but in setting and spirit, designed to tell stories, create atmosphere, and offer fans unforgettable ways to connect with artists – no matter where they are on their journey.
The Long Road Festival returns in 2026, from Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30. For the first time, the festival is expanding to offer an add-on ticket for Thursday (Aug 27), available as an option for all campers who want to start the party early!
Weekend, Camping, Kids and VIP tickets available on Thursday 28th August at 10AM BST: https://www.thelongroad.com/