BILLY Bragg and The Shires will top the bill at a new music festival celebrating country, Americana and roots music in the grounds of a stately home in September.
The Long Road will bring five stages of live performances, food events and a range of themed outdoor activities to the grounds of Stanford Hall near Lutterworth.
Curated by Tennessee-born country music specialist and Radio 2 presenter Baylen Leonard, the festival will also feature performances by US country star Lee Ann Womack, multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter Angaleena Presley, and Texan singer and winner of The Voice USA Danielle Bradbery.
Rising country music stars from the UK will also appear across the weekend including London-based duo Ferris & Sylvester and country-soul singer songwriter Yola Carter.
BBC Music Introducing will host their own stage at the festival, which will be fronted by presenter of BBC Radio 2’s weekly country show Bob Harris and will showcase some of the UK’s best unsigned talent.
Other partner organisations bringing artists to the festival include The Birthplace of Country Music, The Bluegrass Situation, The Americana Music Association UK, and Loose Records.
Other activities will include Moonshine and bourbon tasting, instrument and songwriting workshops, cigar rolling, wild swimming, and a Southern-inspired food and shopping village.
Creative director Baylen Leonard said: “Being from Tennessee and having lived in the UK for close to 20 years, I’m thrilled to bring the music and culture of both together in one festival.
“The dedication and passion of the UK country community is so amazing, we wanted to put together a festival that celebrated the music and lifestyle they love as a thank you to the fans for supporting country music.”
Angaleena Presley added: “I’m so excited to be a part of The Long Road Festival. I love the inclusive vibe.
“I’m not only looking forward to performing, but also hanging out and enjoying all the fixins’. Great food, good old fashioned country music and salt of the earth people – it’s gonna be yeehawsome, y’all.”
The festival takes place on September 7-9. Tickets go on sale on Thursday (April 12). Visit www.thelongroadfestival.com for more information.
