Ronnie Wood to Headline The Long Road Festival Following Bailey Zimmerman Cancellation

Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood will headline The Long Road Festival on Saturday 29 August, with special guest Imelda May joining him for what promises to be one of the most talked-about performances of this year’s event.

The announcement comes just days after Bailey Zimmerman was forced to cancel his UK and European tour, leaving The Long Road searching for a new Saturday night headliner with less than a month until the festival opens its gates.

Festival organisers have moved quickly to secure one of British rock’s most celebrated musicians. Ronnie Wood and his band will take to the main stage alongside Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May, bringing a set packed with classic songs and celebrated collaborations to Stanford Hall.

While Wood is best known as the legendary guitarist with The Rolling Stones, his career has long crossed paths with the roots, blues and Americana traditions that have become central to The Long Road’s identity. A two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with both The Rolling Stones and Faces, Wood has also performed with the Jeff Beck Group, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Lane and countless other influential artists.

Imelda May is equally at home on The Long Road bill. One of Ireland’s most acclaimed performers, she has built a career spanning rockabilly, blues, folk and Americana, collaborating with artists including Lou Reed, Bono, Tom Jones, Elvis Costello, Robert Plant, Van Morrison and Ronnie Wood himself.

The booking ensures The Long Road retains an impressive headline line-up for its seventh edition, despite the late change.

Fans attending the August Bank Holiday festival can still look forward to a stellar weekend featuring Emmylou Harris performing the final UK date of her European farewell tour, Maren Morris making her only UK festival appearance of the summer, Steve Earle, The Shires, Josh Ross, Anne Wilson, Kezia Gill, Twinnie, First Time Flyers, Smithfield and dozens more across multiple stages.

The Long Road has steadily established itself as one of the UK’s premier country, roots and Americana festivals by embracing the wider musical influences that shaped country music. While Ronnie Wood’s appointment may surprise some traditional country fans, his deep roots in blues and classic rock make him a fitting addition to a festival that has always celebrated the broader Americana landscape.

Beyond the music, festival-goers can once again expect the immersive experiences that have become synonymous with The Long Road, including line dancing, barn dances, country karaoke, vintage funfair rides, the Lucky Dice Car & Bike Show, country crafting, cowboy olympics and an extensive selection of American food and drink.

The Long Road Festival takes place at Stanford Hall, Leicestershire, from 27–30 August 2026. Day tickets, weekend tickets, camping and VIP packages remain on sale.