A huge new chapter in the UK festival calendar has been unveiled as Festival Republic and Live Nation officially announce State Fayre, a brand new major weekend camping festival celebrating rock music, Americana and barbecue, set to take place from 26–28 June 2026 at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex. Branded as the UK’s largest music and barbecue festival, State Fayre will welcome around 30,000 fans for an immersive celebration of sound, flavour and culture, topped by spectacular headline performances from Kings Of Leon, Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts and The Lumineers.
Across three packed days, the inaugural edition will also showcase an all-star supporting bill including The Black Crowes, Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton, Counting Crows, Amble, Kingfishr, Dylan Gossett, Sierra Ferrell, Max McNown, KT Tunstall, The Coral and many more, creating an unmissable fusion of rock, country, folk and Americana across multiple stages.
Inspired by the spirit of American state fairs, tailgate parties and long summer nights, State Fayre promises a vibrant blend of contemporary and classic sounds alongside unforgettable food experiences. Kings Of Leon will headline the opening night, bringing their world-renowned alternative rock sound to Essex. With over 20 million albums sold worldwide and a history of headlining the globe’s most prestigious festivals, their appearance marks a major milestone for the festival’s debut year.
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts will bring their Love Earth World Tour to State Fayre as part of a major UK and European summer run. Featuring Spooner Oldham, Micah Nelson, Corey McCormick and Anthony LoGerfo alongside Young, the performance promises an iconic showcase from one of music’s most enduring and influential artists. Sunday night will see The Lumineers close the festival with their emotionally charged, arena-filling sound, drawing from a career that boasts billions of streams and a string of global hits.
Beyond the music, State Fayre will fully embrace its Americana roots with the arrival of FUME, the UK’s premier BBQ festival, hosting The FUME Pit on-site. Visitors can expect award-winning pitmasters, live cooking demonstrations, and some of the finest barbecue in the country, alongside craft beers, whiskey and cocktail bars, vegetarian and vegan food traders, boutique camping, fairground rides and immersive festival activities.
Organisers Anna-Sophie Mertens and Alex Simmonds of Live Nation said the festival reflects the explosive growth of Americana, rock and country music in the UK, offering fans a fully immersive outdoor experience inspired by the authentic sights, sounds and flavours of an American state fair.
General tickets go on sale at 9AM on Friday 28 November via www.statefayre.com, marking the beginning of what promises to be one of the most exciting new festival launches in the UK in recent years.
