Now entering its sixth and most ambitious year to date, The Long Road Festival 2025 is set to deliver its boldest celebration of country, Americana, and roots music yet, taking over the scenic Stanford Hall in Leicestershire from 22nd–24th August. With more than 80 artists across six stages, the weekend promises an immersive blend of genre-spanning music, authentic Americana culture, and inclusive community spirit — and has already become the festival’s fastest-selling edition to date.
Jackson Dean @ The Long Road Festival (Press)
Headliners acclaimed country traditionalist Drake Milligan (in a UK exclusive), double GRAMMY® nominated Texan trio Midland, and multiple Brit Award winner, Ivor Novello recipient and GRAMMY® nominee James Bay lead the main stage line-up, with the newly announced day splits and over 30 further additions giving fans plenty to get excited about. The weekend will also feature high-profile appearances from Ashley Monroe, Fantastic Negrito, Chuck Ragan, The White Buffalo, and Seasick Steve, while rising names like Alana Springsteen, Larry Fleet, Charles Wesley Godwin, and Mackenzie Carpenter bring fresh energy to the bill.
James Bay @ Royal Albert Hall
Seasick Steve @ Glastonbury Festival 2024
The full artist reveal in July confirmed this year’s biggest ever roster, with a slew of artists joining the bill across all stages. Among them is Rockshot Magazine favourite Katy Hurt, whose blend of transatlantic storytelling and powerhouse vocals has cemented her as a homegrown star of the genre. Katy is no stranger to The Long Road, but her return in 2025 is especially anticipated with new material on the horizon and a growing international fanbase.
Katy Hurt @ The Sound Lounge
Also newly confirmed are American alt-country favourites The Felice Brothers, Nashville singer-songwriter Eli Paperboy Reed, and indie folk-pop duo Memorial. UK Americana Awards nominee Simeon Hammond Dallas, genre-fusing rising star Jade Helliwell, and singer-songwriter Gary Quinn further bolster a bill that showcases the strength of both international acts and homegrown talent.
Returning favourites Jack Browning, The County Affair, and Robyn Red add to the vibrant line-up, while newer names like Jess Thristan, Clara Mann, and The Wanted Sisters highlight The Long Road’s commitment to supporting the next wave of country, Americana, and folk talent.
Whether you’re a lifelong Americana obsessive or a newcomer dipping a toe into twangier waters, The Long Road’s curated programming makes it a standout on the UK festival calendar. A proud showcase of country and roots in all its forms, the festival once again leans into diversity and discovery, with Rissi Palmer’s Color Me Country platform returning to highlight BIPOC talent such as Denitia and Chris Linton, and independent labels like Loose Music and Snakefarm Records offering carefully curated stages featuring artists like Danny & The Champions Of The World, Gill Landry, Evan Bartels, and Kezia Gill.
Don McLean @ The Long Road Festival (Press)
New for 2025 is The Hitching Post, the festival’s sixth stage, evoking the communal feel of a Texas dance hall. Designed to capture the intimacy and charm of Americana’s roots, this multi-use space will host line-dancing workshops, acoustic jam sessions, panel discussions, and late-night revelry. With its low-lit charm and emphasis on connection, it’s destined to be a central hub for festivalgoers of all ages.
The Long Road Festival (Press)
Festival Director Baylen Leonard explains: “The Long Road 2025 is the festival’s biggest year to date! We’ve pulled out all the stops to deliver a line-up packed with crowd favourites, legends and first-timers alike. Whether you’re a long-time country fan or brand new to the genre, there’s something for everyone. This year is not to be missed.”
Beyond the music, The Long Road continues to stand apart with its vibrant atmosphere and celebration of Americana culture in all its forms. The festival site will be brimming with USA-style street food, craft BBQ vendors, and vintage fairground rides, while the return of the Lucky Dice classic car and motorcycle show will delight auto lovers. There’ll also be wellness workshops, kids and family activities, and the ever-popular Country-oke, where fans can take centre stage themselves.
The Long Road Festival (Press)
With the full weekend line-up now confirmed, ticket sales at an all-time high, and a palpable sense of momentum behind this year’s festival, The Long Road 2025 is shaping up to be a highlight of the summer season. Whether it’s soaking up sets from country icons, discovering the next big thing on an intimate stage, or line-dancing into the sunset, this is a weekend where music and community come together — boots optional, good vibes guaranteed.
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