We go to a lot of country and Americana music festivals. Too many, according to bank balances, but let’s not dwell on that. Among our growing crew The Long Road has unanimously come out as our favourite one in the UK. The three-day fest is set in the ironically British setting of the grounds of an historic countryhouse estate. It has five distinctive stages plus lifestyle features from vintage American cars to cornhole. And of course there’s a spot of line-dancing if you’re that way inclined.
The annual weekend began in 2018 and has survived a lot in its short life… unpredictable weather, the pandemic and a reccurence of lastminute headliner switches (due to pregnancy, covid or perhaps a rumoured curse). Yet it remains our must-go event of the year. So with the weekend of hoedown hedonism rolling around again, we are morphing into our ‘Only at Long Road’ selves. It’s the place where we…
1. Start the day with bourbon
At first we judged first-timer Steve for pouring the Jack Daniel’s into his porridge. Now it’s a group tradition (though we’re careful to not let this breakfast spill over into our non-festival morning routines). We also tend to be on a first name basis with the team giving out the free moonshine samples.
2. Go to the same food stall several times a day
What drugs are in the Cajun BBQ seasoning? And how can we be expected to go cold turkey for an entire year? If it’s there this year and you pass at a rare time there’s no queue, seize the moment. This festival also always has gluten free options for our coeliac friend. Incidently, this is also where we learned plenty of bourbons are gluten free.
3. Convert our country-music-virgin friends
This festival has an palpably chilled vibe and a wildy varied range of Americana music across five stages. So, knowing there will be something for everyone, we’re not shy in inviting others into the fold. Last year, our pal’s new wife braved it and found her sweet spot perched at the Front Porch stage. That stage is a replica of an old southern states home with rocking chair and smoking chimney. After a dubious start then, she’s voluntarily coming back.
4. Miss the start of a set because a dog demanded petting
You’ll get to recognise people over the years but, if you’re like us, you’ll sooner get to recognise their dogs. This is not only a ‘dogs allowed’ festival, but it has special dog festival zones. And it attracts only the best-behaved and best-dressed pups. If you’re a dog-person this is gloriously distracting. Who can resist stopping for Ollie the rare white German Shepherd? Or for Ernie the bandana wearing boxer we first met as a puppy?
5. Stand side by side with artists in the crowd
Keep your eyes peeled because country artists are also country fans. Many of the lineup are just as likely to be in the crowd as on the stage. So always look under the hats. With this years lineup, you could be watching Brittney Spencer while standing next to Randall King.
6. Pack more boots than days
Yes, I only have one pair of feet and three days of festival. But yes, I do need the suitcase I took for six months abroad. And yep, I just might get through these seven pairs of boots.
7. Have a midday costume change
We are envious of the people who plan their outfits for months. We love spotting the stunningly coordinated couples or those who’ve hand-stitching fringe or stencilled lyrics onto tshirts and jackets. We even salute the guy last year wearing a Care Bear print concoction whoever you were. But for those less organised, you can do a ‘Judi’. We’d split up for just half an hour to see different acts. When she reappeared it was after an unplanned costume change. The new outfit came courtesy of Melbelle’s western wear stall, offering subtle clothes and accessories. Other temptations in the shopping zone include Vera Black’s iconic hats and Ariat cowboy boots.
8. Consider Camping (well, almost)
We haven’t camped since the Great Tent Freeze of 2019. So we are very graetful this festival has a hotel package option, an all-night shuttlebus, or taxis on standby. Heading back to the civilisation of an Airbnb has always been easy. But there’s always a bit of FOMO when we dip out of the afterparties early to head off-site. Maybe we’ll join the campervan crew next year.
9. Come away with valuable life advice
We’ve tried to explain to our non-country-fan attendees how important it is to listen to lyrics. Otherwise we’d have missed the relatable comedy from Megan Moroney’s songs. Or we’d have lost life lessons like Blackberry Smoke singing “don’t ever trust a grown man with a nickname”.
10. Strike a pose (or ten)
We’re all for living in the moment. Last year kept phones away most of the time (helped by the minimal phone signal on the estate grounds. But this festival is marked so many glorious backdrops we can’t resist a group ‘album cover’ photo shoot break.
The Long Road festival takes place annually over the August Bank Holiday weekend. That’s 23-25th August 2024 with headliners from old-school (Don McLean, Saturday Night) to new country (Russell Dickerson, Sunday night). It’s one of a growing number of UK country music festivals. Weekend and day tickets are available now, from £79. For future, this is one we recommend booking early, as prices rise in tiers and you can pay in instalments.
Let us know what you only get up to at The Long Road. And please say “howdy” if you see us there!
Brits in Boots 
Leave a comment