The Long Road Festival has unveiled a major new wave of artists for its 2026 return, with legendary singer-songwriters Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle among the latest names confirmed for the UK’s largest outdoor celebration of country, Americana and roots music. Taking place across the August Bank Holiday weekend from August 27–30 at Stanford Hall in Leicestershire, the seventh edition of the festival continues to build a multi-generational lineup that blends iconic voices with rising stars shaping the future of the genre. Tickets on sale here.
Fourteen-time GRAMMY winner Emmylou Harris will deliver a special performance as part of her European Farewell Tour, bringing decades of timeless Americana to the festival stage. Joining her is acclaimed outlaw country pioneer Steve Earle, whose influential songwriting and fearless storytelling have made him one of the most respected figures in roots music. Canadian breakout star Josh Ross also joins the bill, promising high-energy moments with his radio-ready hits and genre-blending sound.
They join previously announced Saturday night headliner Bailey Zimmerman, who returns for his first UK appearance in more than two years following his sold-out UK and European headline run in 2024. The growing lineup reflects The Long Road’s reputation for balancing established legends with contemporary favourites and exciting emerging talent.
Also newly confirmed are Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Jim Lauderdale, indie-Americana favourite Shakey Graves and storytelling specialists The Felice Brothers. Southern soul and roots rock outfit Uncle Lucius, acclaimed acoustic duo Striking Matches, cinematic folk-pop band Oliver Hazard and feel-good beach folk collective The 502s further expand the weekend’s diverse musical offering.
Across the festival’s six immersive stages, audiences can also discover rising and independent voices including Zandi Holup, Sarah Jane Scouten, Jason Scott & The High Heat and Horsebath, alongside UK roots favourites The Hanging Stars and Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou. Emerging artists Mia Kelly, Lily Fitts, Noah James and Slow Motion Cowboys will also perform as part of curated stage takeovers hosted by partners Loose Music and Snakefarm Records.
Championing homegrown talent remains central to The Long Road’s identity, with British artists Kezia Gill, Rose Betts, Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou and Liam Price confirmed to appear. Price returns after winning the festival’s inaugural Homegrown Talent Contest in 2025, with applications for the 2026 edition set to open this spring.
Beyond the music, The Long Road continues to expand its immersive festival experience. New for 2026 is the arrival of Red Dog Saloon’s Texas-style BBQ restaurant, offering festival-goers a bookable shared dining experience featuring its renowned USS Oklahoma sharing platter alongside gluten-free and vegan options. The addition further enhances the event’s blend of live music, food culture and community atmosphere.
Fans can once again expect a full celebration of country lifestyle across the site, including American street food, craft beers, line dancing, campfires, vintage funfair rides, the Lucky Dice Classic Car & Bike Show, family activities, Country-oke sessions and the much-loved dog show and pooch parade. Additional artists, including Friday and Sunday headliners, will be announced in the coming months as anticipation builds for another landmark weekend at The Long Road.
