Countdown to Long Road Fest 2025
Nashville meets Leicestershire
August 12th 2025
There’s something just a little bit magical about The Long Road Festival. Every August, the rolling green fields of Leicestershire transform into a country music haven, where cowboy boots meet British summer vibes, and the air buzzes with twang, harmony, and a whole lot of good vibes. Now, with just weeks to go, the countdown is officially on — and this year’s festival promises to be one of the biggest yet.
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What makes 2025 so special? For one, it’s the Nashville connection. A number of this year’s artists have just come off huge appearances at CMA Fest — the pinnacle of country music celebrations in Music City. For UK fans who couldn’t make the trip across the pond, or who did and just want to relive it, The Long Road offers a golden ticket to see some of Nashville’s brightest rising stars without having to catch a flight.
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Alana Springsteen, Mackenzie Carpenter, headliners Midland, and Drake Milligan all played prominent roles on CMA Fest’s biggest stages this summer. From Springsteen’s heartfelt ballads to Carpenter’s cheeky, modern country sass; from Midland’s retro-cool, honky-tonk swagger to Milligan’s electrifying mix of Elvis charm and Texas grit — this is Nashville at its finest, landing right on our doorstep.
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And that’s just the start. This year's line-up, as well as the activities on offer are better than ever.
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New for 2025: The Hitching Post
This year, The Long Road introduces The Hitching Post — a brand new all-day, all-welcome dance hall that’s set to be the beating heart of the festival. Picture this: a rustic wooden floor under your boots, live music drifting through the air, a cold drink in your hand, and the warm hum of laughter and conversation all around. The Hitching Post will host everything from panels and quizzes to line-dancing and casual hangouts, making it the perfect place to meet new friends and soak in that unique Long Road community spirit.
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On the Radar: Fresh Talent You Can’t Miss
The Long Road has always been about discovery — those goosebump moments when you stumble upon your new favourite artist. This year, one of those moments will almost certainly belong to Halle Kearns. With streaming hits like Pick Me Up and Nothing Left, Halle brings an honesty and warmth to the stage that’s impossible not to love. Her Saturday set promises to be a sunshine-soaked singalong you’ll be talking about all weekend.
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From the deep South of the US comes Crowe Boys, a soulful brother duo out of New Orleans. Their harmonies are as rich as their storytelling, blending rootsy Americana with a heartfelt touch that’s pure magic live. Saturday at The Long Road, they’ll be sharing tracks from their debut album Made To Wander, and if you’re into music that feels like home, you’ll want to be front row.
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Step Up to the Mic: Country-oke at Buddy’s
Think karaoke, but make it Nashville. Country-oke at Buddy’s Good Time Bar invites festival-goers to grab the mic and sing their favourite country classics with a live band. Whether you’re belting Friends in Low Places or crooning a Dolly ballad, it’s the ultimate icebreaker and the perfect way to live out your country star fantasy.
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Line-Up Highlights
The festival has added over 30 artists to its already stacked bill — including UK debuts from Colby Acuff and Liam St. John, the powerhouse pairing of Kezia Gill and Alyssa Bonagura for the Snakefarm Records takeover, Irish favourites Beoga, and multiple shows from Sykamore and the Madalitso Band.
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Fuel the Fun: O’Donnell Moonshine
No trip to The Long Road is complete without a stop at the Moonshine Shack. Inspired by the rebellious spirit of Prohibition, O’Donnell Moonshine will be serving up their bold, flavour-packed drinks between the Interstate and Front Porch stages. From the nostalgic Very Cherry Cola to the dangerously smooth Ankle Breaker and the tropical Passion Fruit Sour, these mason jar serves are made for sipping under the summer sky.
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The Final Word
From Nashville chart-climbers to grassroots gems, from new stages to old favourites, The Long Road Festival 2025 is shaping up to be the perfect mix of music, community, and pure country joy. Whether you’re there for the dancing, the discovery, or the moonshine-fuelled singalongs, one thing’s certain — it’s going to be a weekend to remember.
So dust off your boots, pack your hat (or better yet, hit up UK Country Hat Bar and design your own) and get ready y'all because The Long Road is not to be missed.
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Tickets are still available, but they're selling out fast for one a line-up and a long weekend you definitely don't wanna miss y'all; hit the links below for the festival website and to grab your tickets.
