MULTI-PLATINUM STAR BAILEY ZIMMERMAN ANNOUNCED AS THE FIRST HEADLINER FOR THE LONG ROAD FESTIVAL 2026
AUGUST 27-30 2026; EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE, SATURDAY DAY TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
THE LONG ROAD RETURNS FOLLOWING ITS BIGGEST YEAR YET IN 2025 – WATCH THE RECAP HERE
LONDON, U.K. – (Dec 3, 2025) – The UK’s largest outdoor Country, Americana and Roots festival, The Long Road, returns for a seventh year to the scenic grounds of Stanford Hall, Leicestershire over the August 2026 Bank Holiday weekend (Aug. 27 – 30). Kicking off the lineup, multi-platinum, record-breaking star Bailey Zimmerman is confirmed as the Saturday night headliner, marking his first UK performance in more than two years, following his sold-out UK and European headline run in 2024.
Celebrated as a true tastemaker event, The Long Road spotlights artists at every stage in their career, from powerhouse veterans to rising stars. With stages inspired by the places that shape country music – from front porches and dive bars, to miles across the Interstate, to the big-break main stage. The festival’s evolution sees 2026 welcoming Bailey Zimmerman, who sets the tone for the strongest line up yet with many more names to be announced.
Festival co-founder Baylen Leonard shared of the announcement: “Bailey Zimmerman is one of the most exciting live artists to emerge recently and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him to The Long Road. With his trademark showmanship and immense singalong hits, his mainstage set is going to be one to remember. Bailey’s energy and TLR’s status as a must attend event for UK music fans is the perfect match!”
Beyond the music, festival-goers return to The Long Road year after year to soak up the Country lifestyle – U.S. inspired street food and American BBQ, craft beers, the Lucky Dice Classic Car & Bike show, line dancing, campfires, vintage funfair rides, the dog show and pooch parade, activities and games for families & kids, Country-oke, and more.
Friday & Sunday headliners and much more across four days and over six stages to be announced.
After a record-breaking super early bird release, the festival has launched Family Tickets for two adults and up to three children, saving over £80. Group, Saturday and remaining Early Bird tickets are available now at: https://www.thelongroad.com/
“The array of artists on display at The Long Road demonstrates country music’s greatest strength: its variety.” – DIY
“The Long Road seems to be a shining beacon of hazy late summer, drenched in soulful wholesome vibes that are sure to put you at ease. It’s hard to put this festival in the context of festivals as a whole, because it feels as the tagline goes, like being ‘welcomed home’.” – Summer Festival Guide
“If you’re even half-curious about country, this is the weekend that will make you fall in love with it.” – Music News
“What sets The Long Road apart from other festivals is its warm, welcoming atmosphere. It feels like coming home—relaxed, fun, and safe” – Rock At Night
“The Long Road transports you to the States with its BBQ food, Kentucky bourbon masterclasses, a Honky-tonk bar, and an exciting line-up of country music stars.” – The Standard
“Phenomenal… The Long Road continues to cement its legacy as one of England’s premiere country music festivals” – Holler
“The Long Road delivers it all. It’s an authentic, immersive and welcoming family friendly experience” – Grazia
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Credit: Alexander Ward & Jade Vowles & Kezia Tan