Country on the Eye was set to bring a full day of country, folk and roots music to Play Close Park, Melton Mowbray, on Saturday 13 June 2026. The festival promised a vibrant mix of UK and US artists, including Gary Quinn, Karli & James, Will Varley, The Often Herd, Victoria Banks, Jeff Cohen and Nashville’s all‑female collective Song Suffragettes. The lineup also featured Bob Cheevers in the John Montague Legends Slot, alongside Ben Atkinson and Emily River Thomson, with an acoustic stage hosting Chasing Twisters, Francesca Brown, Stevie Jones, The Cabin Band and more. A dedicated Songwriters Showcase on Friday 12 June was set to underline the event’s commitment to original songwriting and emerging talent.
Organisers Confirm Cancellation
In a statement, organisers announced that Country on the Eye 2026 “will not go ahead as planned” due to low ticket sales, despite strong support from artists, fans and local partners. They said it was “with a heavy heart” that the festival must be cancelled, explaining that it could not be delivered to the standard audiences and performers deserved. All ticket holders have been issued full refunds, though processing times may vary depending on payment method. The team thanked everyone who believed in the event and expressed hope that live country music will return to Melton Mowbray in the future.
Dean Rees, CEO of Melton Mowbray Town Estate, said, “We remain proud to support cultural and community events that bring people together and celebrate Melton’s vibrant character. The Estate will continue to partner with local organisations to deliver memorable occasions for residents and visitors alike.”
“We thank everyone for their understanding and look forward to welcoming future events to the Town Estate, and our Summer Season of free live events and music, held in the Events Village located in Play Close Park, will continue throughout the summer,” added Rees.
Fans and Artists React
The announcement has prompted heartfelt responses from artists and fans who had been eagerly anticipating the festival. Chasing Twisters said they were “absolutely gutted”, adding that opportunities for emerging acts are vital and it is “tough when people don’t get behind these events”. Musician Guy Surtees reflected on the wider challenges facing original music festivals, saying it was “heartbreaking that tribute festivals appear to be doing better than original music festivals”. Local supporter kierlymn said they were proud Melton was set to host “a genuine country festival rather than a tribute fest”, while Voice.ofawoman shared that they had been excited for the lineup and the “adventures ahead”.
A Tough Year for Independent Festivals
Country on the Eye’s cancellation adds to what is becoming a difficult year for the UK’s independent festival scene. Red Rooster Festival recently confirmed that its 2026 edition would not go ahead due to financial pressures, and there is no Black Deer Festival this year — another significant absence in the country and Americana calendar. Rising costs, reduced consumer spending and increased operational risks are placing unprecedented strain on grassroots and mid‑sized events. For many organisers, the challenge is no longer artistic ambition but financial survival. As fans, artists and communities rally around the festivals they love, the hope remains that these cancellations are pauses rather than endings, and that the UK’s independent country and roots scene will find a way to thrive again.
You can keep up with the status of every major UK country, Americana and roots festival — including cancellations, postponements and confirmed events — in our full 2026 festival listings at CountryMusic.co.uk.
