The Long Road Festival 2026
The Long Road Festival 2026 — A Homecoming for Country Fans
The Long Road returns to Stanford Hall this August Bank Holiday (27–30 August 2026), and the seventh chapter of the UK’s most immersive Country, Americana and Roots gathering already feels like a landmark moment. Each year, the festival grows a little deeper into its identity — a place where legends, innovators and new storytellers meet on the same stretch of road — and 2026 might be its most meaningful edition yet.
A Farewell, a First, and a Festival Full of Stories
There’s a particular kind of magic in the air when an icon comes to say goodbye. This summer, Emmylou Harris brings her European Farewell Tour to The Long Road, closing a remarkable era of songwriting, harmony and heart. Fourteen GRAMMYs, countless collaborations, and a legacy that shaped the sound of Americana — her appearance is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for UK fans.
Sharing that spirit of timeless storytelling, Steve Earle arrives for a special solo acoustic set. Fresh from his induction into the Grand Ole Opry, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member brings decades of grit, poetry and lived experience to the stage.
More artists have joined The Long Road 2026 – with Maren Morris headlining Sunday night, bringing her only UK show of the year to Stanford Hall. Plus The Shires headlining Friday (returning for the first time since 2018).
On the other end of the spectrum, the festival continues its tradition of spotlighting the next wave. Florida’s folk-pop joybringers The 502s — affectionately known as “the happiest band on Earth” — make their Long Road debut, while Canadian chart‑breaker Josh Ross brings his radio-ready anthems and genre-blending instincts, including his hit collaboration with Akon.
And then there’s the headline moment fans have been waiting for: Bailey Zimmerman returns to the UK for the first time in over two years, following his sold-out 2024 run. His Saturday night set promises to be one of the festival’s defining memories.
A Lineup Built for Discovery
Friday
Kick off your bank holiday weekend with a stellar Friday lineup at The Long Road Festival, celebrating the best in country, Americana and roots. Headliners The Shires bring their unmistakable harmonies to the main stage, joined by legendary songwriter Steve Earle performing a special solo acoustic set. Expect high-energy folk-pop from The 502s, heartfelt storytelling from Rose Betts, and rising UK talent including Harleymoon Kemp, Muireann Bradley, Harper O’Neill, Striking Matches, and Chanel Yates.
Saturday
Saturday brings a powerhouse lineup led by Bailey Zimmerman, whose chart-topping hits promise a high-energy set. He’s joined by Canadian star Josh Ross, soulful newcomer Shaylen, and UK favourites Chandler Walters, First Time Flyers, and Twinni. Expect rootsy Americana from Uncle Lucius, fiery southern rock from Jason Scott & The High Heat, and the infectious groove of Susto Stringband.
Sunday
Closing the weekend in style, Maren Morris delivers a UK exclusive performance, joined by the legendary Emmylou Harris on her European farewell tour. Shakey Graves brings his signature blend of blues and folk, while The Felice Brothers, Anne Wilson, Kezia Gill, Ryan & Rory, and Emily Scott Robinson round out a soulful finale to four days of country magic.
Beyond the Big Stage
Across six stages — from front-porch intimacy to the Rhinestone spotlight — The Long Road continues its mission to showcase every corner of the genre. This year’s lineup includes:
- Jim Lauderdale — the GRAMMY-winning Nashville institution with a catalogue as wide as the Interstate
- Shakey Graves — the shape-shifting Americana favourite
- The Felice Brothers — masters of ramshackle, literary folk-rock
- Uncle Lucius, Striking Matches, Oliver Hazard, Anne Wilson, Zandi Holup, Jason Scott & The High Heat, Kezia Gill, Rose Betts, Liam Price, The Hanging Stars, Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou, and many more
From rising voices to road-worn veterans, the 2026 bill captures the full spectrum of what Country and Americana sound like today.
A Celebration of Homegrown Talent
The Long Road’s commitment to British artists continues to grow. This year welcomes performances from Kezia Gill, The Hanging Stars, Rose Betts, Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou, and Liam Price, who returns after winning the festival’s inaugural Homegrown Talent Contest in 2025. Applications for the 2026 contest open this spring, offering another chance for emerging UK artists to step onto a national stage.
New for 2026: Red Dog Saloon
Adding even more flavour to the festival’s Americana experience, Red Dog Saloon brings its Austin-style BBQ to Stanford Hall — smokers, sharing platters, all-American brunches and all the fixings included. It’s set to be a major new hub for food lovers and festival wanderers alike.
More Than Music
The Long Road has always been about more than the stages. Across the weekend, festival-goers can dive into:
- Slow-and-low American BBQ and craft beer
- Line dancing sessions
- The Lucky Dice Car & Bike Show
- Vintage funfair rides
- Family-friendly adventures
- The high‑energy chaos of Country‑oke
It’s a full immersion into the Nashville spirit — a place to step off the beaten track and live the lifestyle for a long weekend.
Tickets
Friday, Saturday and Sunday day tickets, Weekend General and High Falootin’ VIP passes, Family & Group tickets, camping, glamping and live‑in vehicle options are all available now
