Emmylou Harris To Close European Farewell Tour At The Long Road 2026

The UK’s largest and most immersive outdoor celebration of Country, Americana and Roots returns this summer as The Long Road Festival announces its seventh edition, set for the August Bank Holiday weekend, August 27th–30th 2026. Taking place once again at the picturesque Stanford Hall in Leicestershire, the four-day festival continues to bridge generations of artists — from genre-defining legends to the fresh voices reshaping modern country and Americana.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris (Press)

Leading the new wave of announcements is the iconic 14-time GRAMMY® winner Emmylou Harris, who will close her celebrated European Farewell Tour at the festival. Her appearance promises a moment steeped in timeless Americana and career-spanning highlights. Joining her is breakout Canadian country star Josh Ross, whose high-octane set is expected to bring arena-sized energy, including his genre-blurring collaboration with Akon on a countrified rework of Na Na Na.

They join previously announced Saturday night headliner Bailey Zimmerman, whose return marks his first UK appearance in over two years following a sold-out headline run in 2024.

Elsewhere on the bill, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and multiple GRAMMY® winner Jim Lauderdale makes his festival debut, while indie-folk firebrand Shakey Graves adds grit and groove. Storytelling and heart are set to flow from The Felice Brothers, with Southern soul-tinged roots rock courtesy of Uncle Lucius.

Further highlights include harmony-rich duo Striking Matches, cinematic folk-pop outfit Oliver Hazard, and the infectiously joyous The 502s. Rising artists such as Mia Kelly, Lily Fitts, Noah James and Slow Motion Cowboys underscore the festival’s reputation for spotlighting tomorrow’s stars.

Striking Matches @ Borderline

Chaley Rose

British talent remains central to The Long Road’s identity, with appearances from Kezia Gill, Rose Betts, Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou and Homegrown Talent Contest winner Liam Price. The Homegrown competition will return in 2026, with applications opening this spring.

Kezia Gill @ Electric Ballroom

Kezia Gill @ Electric Ballroom (Nick Allan)

Spread across six immersive stages inspired by the journey of country music — from porch-front acoustics to interstate highways and the Rhinestone main stage — the event invites fans to explore every corner of the genre. Takeovers hosted by partners Loose Music and Snakefarm Records further expand the weekend’s musical reach.

Beyond the stages, The Long Road continues to evolve as a full cultural experience. New for 2026 is the arrival of Red Dog Saloon, bringing its Texas-style BBQ to the heart of the site with a full-scale restaurant experience. Festival-goers can book shared dining sessions featuring the legendary USS Oklahoma platter — a 16-hour smoked USDA brisket feast — alongside gluten-free and vegan options.

Don McLean @ The Long Road Festival (Press)

As ever, the weekend extends far beyond the music: line dancing, classic car and bike showcases, family-friendly activities, vintage funfair rides, a dog show and pooch parade, campfires and country-oke all contribute to an atmosphere that feels more like a community gathering than a conventional festival.

With Friday and Sunday headliners still to be revealed, The Long Road 2026 is shaping up to be another defining Bank Holiday celebration for UK country fans. Tickets — including day passes, VIP packages, family options and a range of camping and glamping experiences — are on sale now.

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