The Shires 2026

The Shires, the pioneering British country duo known for their blend of heartfelt lyrics and sublime harmonies, continue to carve out a distinctive space in the UK and international country music scenes. Composed of singer-songwriters Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes, the pair have achieved significant milestones, including becoming the first UK country act to sign with a major Nashville label and securing top ten albums in the UK Albums Chart.

Launching their career from an innovative Facebook connection, The Shires have drawn inspiration from American country icons such as Lady Antebellum, Kacey Musgraves, and Alison Krauss. They have also shared collaborative projects with notable artists like Shania Twain and Ronan Keating. Their accolades include British Country Music Association Awards and the American Country Music Association Award for Global Artist of the Year, underscoring their cross-Atlantic appeal.

Following the success of their 2022 album 10 Year Plan, The Shires are embarking on an exciting new phase marked by their upcoming album Bonfire, due for release on July 3, 2026. This sixth studio album emphasizes themes of renewal, connection, and wide-open possibility. Notably, its lead single, “Getaway Car,” has made history as the first UK country single to break into the Top 10 of the Country Radio Airplay Chart, reaching number seven.

Alongside The Shires, fans will appreciate the support of New Zealand-born country-pop singer-songwriter Kaylee Bell. Bell has gained international recognition with her streaming success and award-winning releases, including her latest album Nights Like This. Her career highlights include winning the Toyota Star Maker award and producing the Gold-certified hit single “Keith,” a tribute to Keith Urban. Bell’s blend of heartfelt storytelling and contemporary country-pop style adds depth and variety to the evening’s festivities.

Symphony Hall, Birmingham

The concert will take place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham, an esteemed venue known for its excellent acoustics and elegant design. Officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, Symphony Hall seats 2,262 attendees and serves as the home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Hosting around 270 events a year, it is a celebrated venue for both classical and contemporary music, offering a refined setting for The Shires’ performance on their 2026 tour.