The highly anticipated British Country Music Festival 2025 lineup has been officially revealed, promising a spectacular weekend of live music featuring some of the most exciting voices in Country and Americana. Taking place from 29–31 August at Blackpool’s historic Winter Gardens, this year’s festival will showcase an incredible range of artists from across the UK, USA, Canada, and Italy.
Leading the lineup are three standout headliners, each bringing their own distinct style and influence to the festival stage. Brittney Spencer, one of the rising stars of American country music, will make history with her first-ever international festival headline performance, topping Saturday’s bill in an exclusive UK appearance. British singer-songwriter Sam Palladio will take the spotlight on Friday night, while Northern Irish talent Janet Devlin is set to close the festival in grand style on Sunday.
Headliners Bring International and Homegrown Talent to Blackpool
Brittney Spencer has been making waves in country music, particularly after her feature on Blackbird from Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album, a track that has surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify. Her own debut album, My Stupid Life (2024), further solidified her place in the genre, following performances alongside icons such as Jason Isbell, Willie Nelson, Reba, Bobby Weir, and Maren Morris. She has also taken to grand stages beyond the country music world, performing the National Anthem at the 148th Kentucky Derby, Preakness 2022 with Megan Thee Stallion and Lauryn Hill, and the 2023 NFL Draft.
Sam Palladio, best known for his starring role in ABC’s hit series Nashville, has captivated audiences with his music as well as his acting. The Cornwall-born artist has built a successful career in Nashville over the past decade, recently releasing his debut album featuring collaborations with Foo Fighters’ Chris Shiflett and Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil, both of whom joined him on his recent tour. His deep-rooted connection to both British and American country music makes his headlining set a particularly meaningful moment for UK fans.
Janet Devlin first rose to fame as a finalist on The X Factor UK (2011) but has since carved out her own musical identity, blending folk, pop, and country influences into a sound that is distinctly her own. Embracing her passion for country music, she recently recorded her upcoming album Emotional Rodeo in Martina McBride’s Blackbird Studio in Nashville, collaborating with seasoned musicians including Charlie McCoy and Rob McNelley, both of whom have worked with country legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton.
A Celebration of UK Country Music and Songwriting
Now entering its sixth year, The British Country Music Festival stands as an independent, indoor festival championing UK singer-songwriters and their unique contributions to country, Americana, and roots music. The event was established not only to provide a platform for emerging homegrown artists but also to honour the legacy of Anglo-Celtic settlers who brought fiddle-playing, folk songs, and storytelling to the Appalachian Mountains in the 18th century—elements that would eventually shape country music itself.
Held across four stages within Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, the festival’s Empress Ballroom serves as the heart of the event, hosting the main stage performances. Over the years, it has welcomed an array of talented UK artists, including Wildwood Kin, Ward Thomas, Graham Nash, Nathan Carter, and Kezia Gill.
A key focus for the festival is its commitment to championing female artists in country music, reinforcing its support for the PRS Keychange pledge to maintain a gender-balanced lineup. Since its inception in 2019, The British Country Music Festival has featured more female than male headliners, distinguishing itself from many other country festivals, particularly within the US market.
Festival Organizers and Artist Reflections
Festival promoter Martin Blore of Fit The Bill shared his excitement about this year’s lineup, stating:
“We’re thrilled to bring Brittney Spencer to the UK for what will be a landmark moment in our festival’s history. Her exclusive headline appearance, alongside homegrown talents Sam Palladio and Janet Devlin, perfectly represents our commitment to showcasing the very best in both international and UK country music. Over the past six years, I’ve witnessed a remarkable evolution in UK country music—from songwriting to production values—with our artists crafting a distinctly contemporary and cooler version of country that stands confidently alongside American styles. The UK now boasts its own vibrant country scene that’s fresh and authentic, and Nashville is increasingly reaching out to collaborate with UK songwriters. It’s only a matter of time before major labels and the wider music industry fully recognize and embrace this surge in homegrown talent.”
Festival headliner Brittney Spencer added:
“I’m so excited to get back to the UK this year! I have a deep love and appreciation for the vibes, music, and culture in this part of the world. I hope to see some old friends and fans, and to meet some new ones. I usually hang out at merch after my sets—come say hey to a fellow Britt!”
Sam Palladio, headlining Friday night, shared his thoughts:
“I’m so excited to headline the Friday night of this fantastic festival. It’s been incredible to watch country and Americana blossom in the UK over the last few years. I feel privileged to be part of that growth through my years on Nashville, and now putting out music that feels authentic to me as both a British artist and one influenced by a decade of living in Tennessee. I love how country music is evolving, with genre lines blurring between pop, country, and rock, giving me the platform to make music that exists in all those worlds. I can’t wait to meet new faces and make some serious noise this summer in Blackpool!”
Janet Devlin, closing the festival on Sunday, reflected on her journey:
“I am absolutely thrilled to headline Sunday at The British Country Music Festival! I’ve loved country music since I was a little girl, and now I have to pinch myself that I’m officially releasing in the genre. Recording my new album in Nashville has been an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to bring it to life on stage. Performing alongside such incredible artists is a real privilege—this festival is an amazing way to connect more country music fans across the UK!”
About The British Country Music Festival
The British Country Music Festival was founded and is promoted by Martin and Marina Blore of Fit The Bill Limited, a Lancashire-based company with extensive experience in festival production and West End theatre shows. An independent, grassroots festival, TBCMF is a proud member of the Association of Independent Festivals and is supported by Visit Blackpool. As the final country and Americana festival of the season, it attracts up to 5,000 attendees, bringing a vibrant celebration of country music to the historic seaside town.
With anticipation building, UK country fans now look forward to three incredible days of live music in Blackpool this August—stay tuned for more details and artist highlights in the weeks to come.
