Billed as a celebration of Country, Americana, Roots, Folk Rock music and culture, The Long Road Festival returns to the beautiful grounds of Stanford Hall in Leicestershire this summer for its biggest year from August 22-24 2025.
Announced today, the first wave of performers includes major U.S. headliners Midland and Drake Milligan, and a wealth of acclaimed artists from across the U.S., U.K., and Australia, such as BRIT, Mercury Prize and GRAMMY nominee Seasick Steve, GRAMMY winner Fantastic Negrito, ARIA & Golden Guitar winner Fanny Lumsden, and RIAA Class of 2024 artist Alana Springsteen
A festival for music lovers on the search for something new, the carefully curated selection of artists joining those listed above include: Larry Fleet, Charles Wesley Godwin, Alana Springsteen, Evan Honer, Gareth, Elles Bailey, Ashley Monroe, Fancy Hagood, Trousdale, Halle Kearns, Kim Churchill, Rainbow Girls, Will Varley & the Southern Rust, Simeon Hammond Dallas, Steady Habits, Janet Devlin, Jaywalkers and a European summer exclusive performance from Chuck Ragan. Speaking with festival co-founder Baylen Leonard on Absolute Radio Country today, Midland frontman Mark Wystrach shared the band’s excitement about performing at The Long Road for the first time: “Getting to play our first [UK] outdoor festival in a beautiful setting, and getting to be headliners is gonna be amazing.”
In addition to main stage performances, stages hosted by returning partners Loose Music and Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer, and new stage partner Snakefarm Records, The Long Road will feature Nashville-style songwriter rounds, artist meet and greet opportunities, and afterparties where fans can dance the night away.
More than just a music festival, audiences flock to The Long Road year after year to soak up the Country lifestyle – with U.S. inspired street food and American BBQ, craft beers, dedicated line dancing sessions, campfires, vintage funfair rides, a kids camp, Country-oke, the Lucky Dice Classic Car & Bike show and more – and to experience a family-friendly atmosphere that fulfils the promise of its familiar motto, “Welcome home old friend”
Catering for kings and queens of the open road and lovers of life under canvas in the great outdoors alike, a variety of accommodation options are available: from General Camping; a tree-lined Premium Campsite with upscale amenities closer to the main arena; Live-in Vehicle Fields; Pitch & Park, the luxurious Elwood Park riverside Glamping, now provided by festival veterans and luxury experience specialists Green Yurts. From 2025, payment plans will be available to make Glamping more affordable than ever, while offering luxurious options for those who want a little extra. In addition to the on-site accommodation options, there are also Off Road Lodgings and shuttle bus packages available to purchase in collaboration with local hotels.
Now in its sixth year, The Long Road is delighted to announce several new elements to the festival, to celebrate the growth of the country family and welcome new friends as well:
For the first time, and for Long Roaders attending all weekend, the Rhinestone Stage (main stage) will open from Friday afternoon. This means an even bigger Friday night party, more live performances—including a U.K. exclusive headline set from Drake Milligan—and even more reasons to go all in for the full weekend. Friday will be exclusively available to all weekend Camping and No Camping ticket holders.
Renowned as a platform for showcasing new artists and creating unforgettable memories, The Long Road is also introducing a brand-new sixth stage for 2025: another undercover venue, complete with a hard wood floor perfect for line dancing at the festival. This dedicated space will stay true to The Long Road’s style, with its own unique identity, drawing inspiration from U.S. culture and embodying authentic country charm and aesthetics, and will host songwriter rounds, line dancing, artist conversations, intimate performances, quizzes, and more.
Additionally, 2025 brings Early Camping Access; the Live-In Vehicles campsite, for campervans and caravans, will be open from Thursday August 21 as an optional paid add on, so early arrivals can settle in.
