Grammy winner Jim Lauderdale, Shakey Graves, The 502s, Uncle Lucius, Striking Matches, Zandi Holup and more join The Long Road (Aug. 27–30) alongside previously announced headliner Bailey Zimmerman.
The UK’s largest and most immersive outdoor country, Americana and roots festival, The Long Road, returns for a seventh year on the August 2026 Bank Holiday weekend (Aug. 27–30). The latest announcement guarantees a weekend of music spanning multiple generations of artists, from legendary performers to the emerging voices shaping country, Americana and roots.
The iconic, 14-time Grammy winner Emmylou Harris will bring timeless Americana as she wraps her lauded European Farewell Tour at the festival. Breakout Canadian country sensation Josh Ross is set to keep the energy high, known for chart-topping, radio-ready hits such as the genre-bending collaboration with Akon on their countrified version of ‘Na Na Na’.
They join the previously announced, multi-platinum, record-breaking Saturday night headliner Bailey Zimmerman, marking his first UK performance in more than two years following his sold-out UK and European headline run in 2024.
Taking place on the scenic grounds of Stanford Hall in Leicestershire, The Long Road‘s lineup continues with fan favourites and touring icons ready to deliver unforgettable performances. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member and multiple Grammy winning legend Jim Lauderdale is set to perform highlights from a decades-spanning career on the festival stage for the first time. Adding a touch of indie grit, Shakey Graves is sure to light up the crowd with his signature sound, while heartfelt storytellers The Felice Brothers bring a mix of emotion and edge. Expect Southern soul meets roots rock with Uncle Lucius, tight harmonies from acclaimed acoustic-led songwriter duo Striking Matches, cinematic folk-pop flows from Oliver Hazard, and sing-along energy from the “happiest band on Earth,” beach folk band The 502s.
Celebrated as a true tastemaker event, The Long Road has built a reputation for spotlighting artists at every stage of their career, from powerhouse veterans to rising stars. Each of its six stages is inspired by the places that shape country music throughout an artist’s journey, from front porches and dive bars to miles across the Interstate to the big-break Rhinestone stage. Festival-goers can uncover talent across every one of them.
Experience storytelling from Zandi Holup and Sarah Jane Scouten, the high-energy country of Jason Scott & The High Heat and Horsebath, and UK roots revival with The Hanging Stars and the gentle harmonies of Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou. Keep an ear out for rising stars Mia Kelly, Lily Fitts, Noah James, and Slow Motion Cowboys, all set to bring fresh energy and unforgettable performances to the festival across a number of stages, including takeovers hosted by partners Loose Music and country and Americana powerhouse label Snakefarm Records.
A dedication to championing British artists continues this year, with Kezia Gill, Rose Betts, Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou and Liam Price set to take the stage. Price was the winner of the festival’s inaugural Homegrown Talent Contest in 2025, which will take place again at this year’s festival to showcase the current crop of new artists. Applications for the 2026 contest will launch in the spring, with further information to follow.
Beyond the music, The Long Road is levelling up its culinary offering even further this year with the debut of a full-scale, on-site restaurant: the Red Dog Saloon Texas-style BBQ restaurant, known for its highly popular locations across London, Nottingham, Liverpool, and Southampton. For the first time, attendees will be able to secure a booking for a shared dining experience, indulging in the iconic USS Oklahoma sharing platter. The legendary feast features a 16-hour smoked USDA brisket, St. Louis pork ribs, and smoked wings, making it the ultimate communal pit-stop for hungry festival-goers. Gluten-free and vegan dietary options are also available.
Festival-goers return to The Long Road year after year to soak up the country lifestyle: U.S. inspired street food and American BBQ, craft beers, the Lucky Dice Classic Car & Bike show, line dancing, campfires, vintage funfair rides, the dog show and pooch parade, activities and games for families and kids, Country-oke, and more.
Friday and Sunday headliners and much more across four days and over six stages are still to be announced.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday day tickets, weekend general and High Falootin’ VIP tickets, family and group tickets, general and premium camping, live-in vehicle, Pitch & Park, and glamping packages are on sale now at thelongroad.com/tickets.
