Bristol, Tenn./Va. (June 4, 2018) — The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) is partnering with a new UK roots music festival to bring the music of our region “across the pond” just prior to BCM’s Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion this September. The Long Road: A Festival of Country, Americana & Roots is a major new music and lifestyle camping festival set to bring the world-famous, inimatable sights and sounds of the country music scene to the UK. Taking place within the grounds of Stanford Hall in Leicestershire (located two hours north of London) from September 7—9, 2018, The Long Road will present one of the UK’s largest, most authentic celebrations of country, Americana, and roots music featuring five stages of live performances, bespoke food events, and a wide range of themed outdoor activities.
Curated by Bristol, Tennessee native Baylen Leonard, a well-known country music specialist and radio presenter in the UK, The Long Road will present an array of artists from iconic US stars to up-and-coming home-grown talent.
“We first met Baylen at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion several years ago when he asked if he could conduct artist interviews for his BBC radio show during the festival,” said Leah Ross, BCM Executive Director. “He is proud of the history of his hometown and a huge supporter of our festival. He first approached us with the idea of partnering with a new country music festival in the UK over a year ago. We talked with our partners at the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and they are now partnering with us to bring a few Bristol Rhythm acts from Virginia to the UK to perform at The Long Road, including Folk Soul Revival, Dori Freeman, and Andrew Alli, and we are working with Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to show the Born in Bristol documentary film during The Long Road music festival as well.”
The first wave of acts that were announced in April included country star Lee Ann Womack, acclaimed singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter Angaleena Presley, British country duo The Shires, popstar-turned-country music singer Una Healy, and Texas singer and winner of The Voice USA Danielle Bradbery. Reflecting the extraordinary surge in popularity that country music has enjoyed in the UK in recent years, The Long Road will also feature a strong contingent of rising star UK acts across the weekend including hotly-tipped London-based duo Ferris & Sylvester and country-soul singer-songwriter Yola Carter.
Much more than just a music festival, The Long Road will embrace all aspects of the country and Americana scene and, alongside its live music offerings, will incorporate an array of themed activities including moonshine and bourbon tasting, instrument and songwriters’ rounds, lake swimming, a Southern-inspired food and shopping village, and much more, providing festival-goers with a unique, authentic country music lifestyle experience.
For more information about The Long Road and to view the entire lineup, please visit www.thelongroad.com.
About the Birthplace of Country Music
Located in Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia, the Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) is the parent nonprofit organization of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, and Radio Bristol. It is the mission of BCM to perpetuate, promote, and celebrate Bristol’s rich music heritage; to educate and engage audiences worldwide regarding the history, impact, and legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions from which BCM derives its name; and to create recognition, opportunities, and economic benefit for BCM’s local and regional communities. BCM accomplishes this mission through each of its primary branches (museum, festival, and radio station), special projects and events, and a multitude of community and educational outreach programs.