| ACE-HIGH ENTERTAINMENT AND GOOD TIME COUNTRY FUN HAD BY ALL AT THE LONG ROAD’S FIRST EVER SOLD OUT FESTIVAL WEEKEND MAJESTIC HEADLINE SETS FROM US STARS BLACKBERRY SMOKE AND CAM CROWNED THE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND, PACKED WITH STANDOUT MOMENTS FROM BRELAND, MARGO PRICE, MEGAN MARONEY, THE WAR AND TREATY, ELI YOUNG BAND, CHAPEL HART AND MANY MORE 3 DAYS OF SENSATIONAL FOOD, LIQUOR, CAR SHOWS, CAMPING AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT MARKED THE LARGEST LONG ROAD GATHERING TO DATE 2024 DATES ANNOUNCED FOR 23RD – 25TH AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND. SUPER EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE THIS THURSDAY AT 10AM: https://www.thelongroad.com/ |
| Spanning from August 25th to 27th, The Long Road festival once again turned Leicestershire’s Stanford Hall estate into a Nashville-inspired haven for music lovers and families alike. Breaking attendance records at its first ever sold out show, TLR further solidified its reputation as the ultimate celebration of country, Americana and roots music in the UK. A standout moment of the weekend was Cam‘s electrifying performance. Flying in last-minute from LA for a sensational headline set, Cam’s captivating display on the Rhinestone main stage on Sunday night left everyone in awe. The accomplished songwriter, with credits for Sam Smith and Miley Cyrus, returned to TLR after her well-received debut slot in 2019. Cam savoured the moment on stage, performing her song ‘Diane’ twice as it went down a storm the first time around, and declared The Long Road crowd to be among her favourite places in the world, as thousands hung on her every breath. On Saturday evening, Blackberry Smoke delivered a high-impact performance that resonated with the crowd and left an enduring mark on the festival’s grand finale. Getting straight down to business with hits like ‘Good One Comin’ On’, the southern rock 5 piece rounded off the night with fan favourites ‘Waiting for the Thunder’ and ‘One Horse Town’. Highlights from 80 artists playing The Long Road’s five beloved stages included Margo Price’s highly anticipated and empowering show, the enigmatic Breland bringing out surprise guests Alana Springsteen and the UK’s own Kezia Gill, cathartic singalongs with Megan Moroney, and Josh Abbott Band owning the Rhinestone stage. The Interstate stage saw huge performances from The War and Treaty, Shane Smith and The Saints, The Sheepdogs and Tenille Townes, whilst feel good entertainment came from new supergroup First Time Flyers, upbeat Aussie folk trio Sons of The East and Chapel Hart – who graced three stages across the weekend and also featured in Rissi Palmer’s Color Me Country All Stars alongside Gabe Lee and Michael B. Whit. Even more standout sets from Sierra Ferrell, Eli Young Band and Jackson Dean, made for some of the most talked about shows of the weekend. A host of intimate moments were also found over at the beautiful Front Porch and Buddy’s Good Time Bar nestled in the woods, from the likes of Miko Marks, Eddy Smith and the 507, Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse, Joshua Ray Walker, The Brother Brothers and many more. Beyond the music, festival-goers revelled in an immersive world of country culture, from the Lucky Dice Classic Car and Bike Show to the popular new Golds food area, which quickly became a festival favourite for those seeking out slow cooked wood fired delights. Daytime entertainment included vintage market browsing, testing your skills on the new mechanical rodeo bull, hot dog and hot wing eating competitions, artist meet & greets and refreshing wild swimming for campers in the morning, whilst the Lil Possum Country area was always busy with authentic games and crafts enjoyed by kids of all ages. Late-night Buck’ N Bull and Yee Haw after party DJs, Countryoke, craft beer and moonshine kept the festival vibes alive after dark, as festival goers yarned the hours away with friends old and new, toasting smores around the arena’s inviting fire pits, or clambering into the treehouse to gaze at the stars until the early hours. The Long Road’s Creative Director Baylen Leonard reflects on a weekend to remember: “What a weekend and what a sight to see so many friends together again for our favourite weekend of the year. The community, happiness, and friendly vibe around the arena is one hell of a payoff for all the hard work! Seeing some of my favourite artists making new fans, many making their UK debut, and the crowds singing along with every word, are moments that won’t be forgotten. We want to thank all you Long Roaders for sharing the weekend with us and helping us create something special together. Let’s do it all again next year!” The Long Road festival is set to return next summer, with 23rd – 25th August 2024 dates announced. Limited Super Early Bird Tickets go on sale this Thursday 31st August at 10am here: https://www.thelongroad.com |