Confession. My cowboy boots (all five pairs) have barely touched grass. In the words of Randy Houser, I was ‘raised on an asphalt farm, ain’t never heard a rooster crow’. But that is about to change with the sudden brilliant increase in UK country music festivals. Whether you’re looking for rowdy new country or intimate and acoustic, our home-ground selection has got you covered. So if (also in the words of Randy Houser) you’d like to know ‘How Country Feels’, this summer you won’t need to go very far.
1. THE SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED ONE:
Ramblin’ Roots Review, High Wycombe, 7-9 April 2017
A Buckinghamshire Student’s Union seems an unlikely setting for an Americana festival worth mentioning. But the discerning line up includes ‘watch this space’ break out artist Yola Carter, haunting songwriter Hannah Rose Platt, traditionalist Case Hardin, and country duo Loud Mountains. Plus there’s a pie eating competition, so, y’know…
Where: Bucks Students’ Union, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, HP11 2JZ
Tickets: From £12.
More information: Click Here
2. THE EARTHY ONE:
Red Rooster, Suffolk, 1-3 June 2017
They’ve got both kinds of music here, country and Western… Actually, they’ve got the full spectrum of roots music, though I’d make the trip solely for The Wandering Hearts (the incredible North London alt country band who supported Brothers Osborne this year). It’s also worth catching old soul in a young body, Texan Cale Tyson and the ethereal Danni Nicholls. The festival, set in the grounds of a stately home, is now in its 4th year and looks like it attracts a mix of hillbillies, hippies and hipsters. And adorable babies, like the one pictured above.
Where: Euston Hall, Euston, Suffolk IP24 2QW
Tickets: From £35 including camping.
More information: Click Here
3. THE GROWING ONE:
Buckle & Boots, Greater Manchester, 23-25 June 2017
Last year’s inaugural festival was clearly a success as they’re back for another three days in the Cheshire countryside, once again with a lot of homegrown talent and a smattering of international acts. While the line up aren’t names you’d necessarily see at the top of the Billboard chart (yet), the eclectic mix is chocked with bands and artists who’ve proved their credentials and won’t disappoint. I’d make a beeline to see the rocky Sonia Leigh (who’s penned hits for Zac Brown Band), the powerhouse that is Jess and the Bandits and the serene Sarah Darling. I’m also curious to see top-billed Australian country singer Morgan Evans live, since I’d heard about his personal life (he’s engaged to Kelsea Ballerini) long before I’d heard his music.
Where: Whitebottom Farm, Etherow Country Park, Compstall, Stockport SK6 5HZ
Tickets: From £20, camping available.
More information: Click Here
4. THE FIDDLY ONE:
Beer and Bluegrass Festival, Dorset, 21-22 July 2017
Beer? Bluegrass? Something a bit different to all the contemporary country music on this list but if it does what it says on the tin, surely this can’t be a bad idea.
Where: Victoria School and Gardens, Branksome, Poole BH13 6AS
Tickets: From £14 and include a festival glass and programme.
More information: Click Here
5. THE FREE ONE:
Nashville Meets London, London, 22-23 July 2017
I went along last year for the first one of its kind, accompanied by a posse of non-country fan friends who were unsure what to expect but willing to experiment because it was free. This festival introduced us to new music we’re still listening to, including the inimitable Yola Carter who stole the show. The line-up’s yet to be announced but with DJ Baylen Leonard (Radio 2 / Chris Country) consulting on the music, we’ve got high hopes.
Where: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AH
Tickets: Free! (But first come, first served and it got pretty full)
More information: Keep and eye on our social media and the Canary Wharf website.
6. THE SHINY NEW ONE:
Harvest Festival, Northern Ireland and Ireland, 26-27 August 2017
If you want to make a splash as the new festival on the scene, this is how to do it: book Miranda Lambert, Kip Moore, The Shires, Nathan Carter and Ward Thomas, plus promise a food village, glamping options and dedicated dancing time between sets. Well played Harvest Festival, well played.
Where: Enniskillen Airport, Country Fermanagh, N.I. / Westport House, Country Mayo, Ireland
Tickets: From £120 for weekend passes, additional for camping.
More information: Click Here
7. THE LONGSTANDING ONE:
Millport Country Music Festival, Isle of Cumbrae, 1-3 September 2017
Where: Millport, Isle of Great Cumbrae, Firth of Clyde in the West of Scotland, KA28 0LH
Tickets: From £5 though for main concerts, from £39
More information: Click Here
7.5. THE NOT ACTUALLY A MUSIC FESTIVAL ONE:
Woodfest Wales, North Wales, 29-30 July 2017
As a little Brucey Bonus, this festival of timber sports feels like an event you might see ‘Only in America’. In a North Wales fowls, there’ll be chainsaw carving, pile claiming contests and the strangly compelling lumberjack championships. There’s also a music portion to the event, Woodfest Rocks, but the bands are yet to be revealed.
Where: Caerwys, North Wales, CH7 5BP
Tickets: From £12 (additional for Woodfest Rocks)
More information: Click Here
For more choices, like the long running Maverick Festival, or Newcastle’s SummerTyne check out last year’s selection.
Please let us know below if there are any country music festivals you’d recommend.
CJ
Brits in Boots 
Great roundup, thank you!
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