| Smooth Country Announced as Official Broadcast Partner and Main Stage Presenting Sponsor for Country Calling Festival 2026 |
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| Country Calling Festival has announced Smooth Country, one of the UK’s leading country music radio stations and part of Global, as the official broadcast partner for its 2026 edition. Smooth Country will also be the presenting sponsor of the festival’s main stage, The Outpost. |
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| As broadcast partner, Smooth Country will deliver on-air and digital coverage across the weekend, including backstage artist interviews and behind-the-scenes content shared across radio and social media, bringing fans closer to the festival experience wherever they are. |
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| The Outpost, presented by Smooth Country, will host the festival’s biggest performances, further strengthening the station’s commitment to championing country music in the UK. |
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| Donna Zanetti, Creative Director at Country Calling, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Smooth Country as both our broadcast partner and presenting sponsor of The Outpost for 2026. Smooth Country is the station of choice at Country Calling HQ, so we’re incredibly excited to be partnering with them in such a big way. Their passion for country music and strong audience reach make them the perfect partner to help us bring the spirit of Country Calling to even more fans.” |
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| Chris Chilvers, Senior Music Programmer at Global, said: “Country Calling is the Ultimate Family Country Music Festival with a fantastic line up, and at Smooth Country, Just Great Country is at the heart of everything we do. That’s exactly why we’re delighted to be the Official Broadcast Partner for 2026. As country music continues to grow, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect even more fans with the music we love. I can’t wait!” |
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| Country Calling 2026 marks its biggest edition to date, expanding to three days and introducing onsite accommodation options including camping and glamping. The festival will feature its strongest lineup yet, headlined by Randy Houser and Parmalee, both performing on The Outpost, presented by Smooth Country. |
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| Taking place in Chelmsford, Essex from 14-16 August 2026, the festival brings together leading country artists from across the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Europe, delivering a truly international lineup. Alongside a strong mix of established fan favourites and rising talent, artists include James Johnston, Madeline Merlo, Tyler Rich, Charlie Worsham, Erin Kinsey, Drew Green, Hannah Ellis and Thunderstorm Artis, and UK favourites such as Chanel Yates, Twinnie, Jack Browning, Janet Devlin and Eddy Smith & the 507. |
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| The festival also continues to champion UK talent, giving British artists stages of every size – including the Main Stage. Homegrown stars joining this year’s lineup include Twinnie, Chanel Yates, Janet Devlin, Jake O’Neill, Bronnie, and Jack Browning, alongside many more exciting acts. |
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| With a near 50/50 split of male and female artists, the lineup reflects a strong commitment to better balance and representation in the genre. More than 100 acts will perform across six stages over the weekend, offering fans a rich and diverse programme of live country music. |
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| To help make the festival more accessible for families this summer, organisers are offering free child places, with children under 16 able to attend free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult. The 2026 edition will also introduce an expanded family offering, including attractions and activities for younger fans, such as the Little Wranglers Kids Club. |
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| Further festival details, including the full lineup and ticket information, can be found at country-calling.com |
