The Long Road Festival is set to return for its biggest year yet in August 2025, with British singer-songwriter James Bay confirmed as the Sunday night headliner. Bay joins previously announced U.S. headliners Drake Milligan, who will take the stage on Friday, and Midland, who will perform on Saturday.
Taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend from August 22 to 24, The Long Road Festival is a celebrated event dedicated to country, Americana, and roots music. Held in the scenic grounds of Stanford Hall in Leicestershire, the festival has become a key destination for fans of the genre.
James Bay, a multiple Brit Award winner, Ivor Novello recipient, and GRAMMY nominee, will make his first appearance at The Long Road Festival following the release of his fourth studio album ‘Changes All The Time.' His debut album ‘Chaos and the Calm' reached number one in the UK and included hits such as ‘Hold Back The River' and ‘Let It Go' both recorded at Nashville’s legendary Blackbird Studio. His latest work features collaborations with Noah Kahan and The Lumineers, as well as co-writes with The Killers’ Brandon Flowers and Holly Humberstone.
With more than nine billion streams to his name, Bay has performed alongside music legends such as Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, and Sheryl Crow. His ability to blend classic songwriting with modern influences makes him a fitting addition to The Long Road’s diverse lineup.
Festival Creative Director Baylen Leonard highlighted Bay’s inclusion, stating that The Long Road aims to showcase the best in country, roots, and Americana while also broadening the lineup to appeal to all music lovers. He described Bay as one of the finest singer-songwriters today and an ideal choice to close out the festival on Sunday night.
In addition to Bay, several new artists have been added to the festival’s lineup. Rising French artist Bobbie, Canadian-British folk collaborators Bonnie Dobson & The Hanging Stars, and New Orleans-based sibling duo Crowe Boys are among the latest acts confirmed. Other additions include UK Americana Music Award winners Danny & The Champions of the World, Irish-born Nashville-based singer Darren Kiely, and Texas artist Denitia, a touring member of the Black Opry and one of CMT’s Next Women of Country.
Louisiana native and two-time GRAMMY winner Gill Landry, formerly of Old Crow Medicine Show, will also perform, alongside New Orleans rock ‘n’ roll band Greazy Alice, folk-pop artist Jade Turner, and hit songwriter Mackenzie Carpenter, recently named a Spotify Hot Country Artist to Watch. Rounding out the latest announcements are Nolan Taylor, Robbie Cavanagh, London roots rock band The Rockingbirds, and The White Buffalo, whose music has been featured in Logan, The Punisher, This Is Us, and Sons of Anarchy, earning him a Primetime Emmy nomination.
The Long Road Festival runs from Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 24 2025. Weekend, Camping, Day, Kids and VIP tickets available now: https://www.thelongroad.com/tickets.
