The Ultimate Guide to the Best Country Music Festivals in the UK

If you love country music played live, you’re in luck. The UK has a vibrant and diverse scene of festivals that celebrate the genre and its influences, from country and americana to blues and roots. Whether you’re looking for a big-name headliner, a cozy intimate gig, or a discovery of new talent, there’s something for everyone in the UK’s country music festivals in 2024.

If you are hoping to attend a country music festival, look no further as we have selected the greatest festivals on offer across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Here are some of the best ones to check out.

AmericanaFest 2024

AmericanaFest is the annual conference and showcase of the Americana Music Association UK, the trade body that represents and supports the Americana music industry in the UK. The event features informative and interactive daytime panels and talks, as well as two nights of music at four venues around Hackney, London. The event also includes the prestigious AMA-UK Awards, which honour the best in Americana music from the UK and abroad. Headliner for 2024 is Jason Isbell.

C2C Country To Country

C2C: Country to Country is Europe’s biggest country music festival, created by AEG Europe. The festival takes place in March in London, Glasgow and Belfast, with three days of the best in country music and programming. The festival features performances by artists from the US, UK and Europe, spanning genres such as country, folk, bluegrass and blues.

Highways

Highways festival is more than just a concert, it’s a celebration of country music and culture, featuring some of the biggest names and rising stars in the genre, as well as engaging activities, workshops, and after-parties. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, Highways festival will have something for everyone.

Black Deer Festival

Black Deer Festival is a celebration of Americana and its roots, featuring music, culture, food, and lifestyle. The festival takes place at Eridge Park, one of the UK’s oldest and largest deer parks, just 50 minutes from London. The festival features over 60 performances across three days, spanning genres such as country, folk, bluegrass, and blues. The festival also offers a range of activities and attractions, such as a vintage fairground, a craft market, a kids’ area, a live fire cookout, and a motorcycle display.

Black Deer is an award-winning festival that brings the best of Americana and country music to the historic Eridge Park in Kent. You’ll enjoy more than 70 artists across five stages, including legends like SHERYL CROW, Seasick Steve, Hermanos Gutiérrez, The Shires, Courtney Barnett, The Staves, Villagers, Ward Thomas and Dylan Gossett. Black Deer Festival 2024 will take place from June 14 to June 16.

British Country Music Festival

The British Country Music Festival is back for its fifth edition, celebrating singer-songwriters from the UK and Ireland as well as a select number of international artists who are pushing the boundaries of Americana and country music. The festival takes place at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool, a historic venue that has hosted legends such as The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and The Rolling Stones. The festival features over 100 artists across four indoor stages, including the spectacular Empress Ballroom.

The festival will feature some of the most popular and emerging artists from the US, UK, and Europe, who are pushing the boundaries of country music with their unique and authentic sound.

The festival has already announced its Friday night headliner, the multi award-winning singer-songwriter Kezia Gill, who will dazzle you with her powerful voice and catchy songs. Country-pop crossover Twinnie returns triumphantly as a featured artist on the Saturday night main stage.

The Long Road

The Long Road Festival is a three-day celebration of country, Americana, and roots music that takes place every August at Stanford Hall in Leicestershire, UK. The festival features a diverse line-up of artists from across the globe, as well as a car show, food stalls, craft beer, camping, glamping, and more. The festival aims to bring the spirit and culture of Nashville to the UK, and to showcase the best of the genre to fans and newcomers alike.

The Long Road Festival was launched in 2018 and has since become one of the most popular and acclaimed events in the country music calendar. The festival has hosted some of the biggest names in the scene, such as Jon Pardi, Blackberry Smoke, Tenille Townes, Margo Price, Nickel Creek, and many more. The festival also supports emerging talent and local acts, and offers workshops, panels, and activities for all ages. The Long Road Festival is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves country music and wants to experience a unique and authentic festival atmosphere.

Smaller festivals

Stage4Beverley

12-10 February; Dumfries, Scotland;

Stage4Beverley traditionally brings a celebration of music to the town, featuring styles ranging from Folk to Blues, Jazz to Classical, Americana to World Music. Country Music fans won’t want to miss the Festival Finale on Sun 18th Feb with appearances by Morganway and Chloe Chadwick plus the The Often Herd (Sat 17 Feb)

Country on the Coast

13-14 April; Southsea

The 2024 Country on the Coast festival will feature some of the best country music artists from the UK and beyond, such as Nick Edwards, Kirstie Kraus, Thomas Kavanagh, Route 66 and more special guests to be announced. You’ll get to enjoy two days of live music, dancing, and entertainment at the historic pier, which will host a main stage and a smaller acoustic stage.

Buckle & Boots

23-26 May; Manchester

The Buckle & Boots Festival is a celebration of all things country, bringing the spirit of Nashville to the heart of England. Nestled in the scenic surroundings of Manchester, this annual event has become a mecca for country music enthusiasts and artists alike. With its roots deeply embedded in the rich traditions of country, the festival has grown into a vibrant and inclusive community that embraces the genre in all its forms.

Red Rooster Festival

30 May-1 June; Euston, Suffolk

The Red Rooster Festival is a music and arts event that celebrates the best in Cajun, Soul, Rock n Roll, Blues, Roots and Country music. It features a diverse line-up of artists from the UK and abroad, including Asleep at the Wheel, Galen & Paul and Robert Finley.

SpeedFest Country

8-9 June; Brands Hatch, Kent

SpeedFest Country is part of the American SpeedFest extravaganza, which features NASCAR Whelen Euro Series and other American-themed races and attractions.

The festival showcases some of the finest country music acts from the UK and beyond, with live performances throughout the weekend, including a Saturday night headliner – Ward Thomas.

Towerfest

20-23 June; Drax, North Yorkshire

Towerfest features four days of entertainment, camping, food, drinks and fun. Towerfest is the North of England’s premier open air country music festival, attracting thousands of fans and artists from all over the UK and beyond.

Towerfest also offers a great opportunity for linedancing enthusiasts to enjoy their passion, with dedicated dance floors, instructors and workshops

Rockin’ The Country Festival

6 July; March, Cambridgeshire

The UK’s only country music festival to feature western riding and barrel racing, Rockin’ The Country is a family friendly western event, as close to the rodeo as you can get in the heart of The Fens! By combining the soulful sounds of some of the UK’s best country music acts (some of whom were at C2C this year) with real life cowboys and cowgirls showcasing their skills in the saddle, Rockin’ the Country is the UK’s answer to the rodeo.

Rockin’ the Country was founded in 2022 by four friends over a drink in their local pub and in 2023, the festival’s first year enjoyed a huge success, welcoming over 1500 people from all over the UK. Tickets start at just £30 making it very affordable.

Maverick Festival

5-7 July; Woodbridge, Suffolk

Maverick Festival is a celebration of Americana and roots music from both sides of the Atlantic, held annually in July at Easton Farm Park in Suffolk. The festival features over fifty different artists across six stages, indoors and out, as well as workshops, films, comedy, and food. Maverick Festival is the UK’s first and finest Americana music festival since 2008. 

Westcountry Music Festival

10 August; Willand, Devon

The Westcountry Music Festival is a one day Festival of Country & Americana, Country/Folk/Rock music. Last year’s event saw live performances from The Wandering Hearts, Stevie O’Conner, Sarah Jory, Bob Fitzgerald, Concrete Prairie, Donna Marie and many more. The festival will take place on August 10th 2024 at the stunning Muddifords Court Estate in Willand, Devon. This charming venue offers a spacious barn stage, a courtyard chill session, campfires, marshmallows and whiskey shots. You’ll also find food stalls, bars, shops and camping facilities on site

Small Town, Big Music

6-8 September; Bristol

Small Town Big Music is a brand new 3 day festival coming right to Almondsbury Creative, Bristol  from September 6th – 8th, 2024. There’s a huge range of brilliant acts already lined up including Kezia Gill and Tenille Arts, alongside food trucks, bars, stalls, walkabout entertainers, funfair, children’s zone and much much more!

South Wales Country Music Festival

15-16 November; Newport, S.Wales

The South Wales Country Music Festival is an annual event that celebrates the best of country and Americana music, featuring artists from the UK and the US. It usually takes place in November at The Neon in Newport, a spacious and modern venue that offers a great atmosphere and sound quality. The festival also features a rodeo bull competition, free shots, stalls, and a friendly crowd of country music fans

Our ultimate guide to the best country music festivals in the UK is complete! Don’t forget to book your tickets at upcoming festivals to ensure that you celebrate your love of live country music this year.

UK Country Music Festival Table of Events (plus 2025 as announced)