Annual Country & Western Events in the UK

Get into the Americana spirit with the best Western theme events. Discover Ariat’s suggestions of annual country & western events in the UK.

24/07/2024

There are many great ways to get involved with the country & western scene in the UK. Whether you’re looking for the best of the best in UK country music, or an Americana fan trying to find amazing weekend experiences; there are some excellent festivals, events, and concerts to enjoy. Here are our suggestions for the best annual Country and Western events around the UK.

Country 2 Country

Where: Multiple UK cities

When: March

When it comes to location, Country 2 Country is a festival with a difference. Hosted across three major cities in the UK, with a rotating line-up of excellent country music acts, there are even more opportunities to catch your favourite bands and musicians. Whether you’re based in England, Scotland, or Ireland, you can head to Country 2 Country for an incredible Country & Western weekend.

The festival has been going since 2013 and continues to grow to be bigger and better every year. Past line-ups have included some of Country music’s greatest stars, like Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Reba McEntire, and Keith Urban. It is this unmatched offering of modern country music that makes Country 2 Country one of Europe’s biggest country music festivals and an annual Country & Western event in the UK that you cannot miss.

Highways

Where: Royal Albert Hall, London

When: May

Highways festival is more than just a concert, it’s a celebration of country music and culture. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Royal Albert Hall, this event is a showcase of both established stars and rising talents within the genre.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, Highways festival will have something for everyone. You also won't need your wellies for this British festival!

Buckle & Boots

Where: Whitebottom Farm, Stockport

When: End of May

Buckle & Boots is an event that you should definitely add to your calendar, as this festival focuses primarily on the UK country music scene. Though some other country & western festivals bring you the best of country music from around the world, sometimes it is especially nice to bask in the glory of homegrown talent.

First hosted at Whitebottom Farm in 2016, Buckle & Boots is rooted in a deep love of country music, and an appreciation of the UK country music scene. With a simple aim of showcasing up-and-coming country artists from Britain, with additional artists from around the world, this is a festival that has country at its heart. With such a warm and exciting atmosphere and stunning surroundings, there is no better way to spend a weekend.

For an unforgettable experience, why not go glamping at Buckle & Boots? If you’d rather keep it simple, caravan, car, motorhome, and campervan options are all available.

Red Rooster Festival

Where: Euston Hall, Suffolk

When: First weekend of June (usually)

Taking its name from Howlin’ Wolf’s song, Red Rooster is a festival that brings together country, Western, Americana, Cajun, blues, and roots music – so there is something for everyone. With past acts including JD McPherson, Pokey LaFarge, Nick Lowe, and Seasick Steve; Red Rooster has a reputation for scoring some of the most electric musical acts in the business for their epic annual weekend of country music.

Red Rooster is also designed to be a family-friendly environment, so music fans of all ages can get involved with the Americana. All around the site in Thetford, Suffolk, fun activities are running alongside the music. Explore hordes of vintage clothing, learn bushcraft, get involved in Mardi Gras parades, and even take a dip in the river to cool off.

Whether you’re going for the fantastic country music, or the Americana experience, Red Rooster is one of the UK’s best Western events.

Black Deer Festival

Where: Eridge Park, Kent

When: Mid-June

First held in 2018, Black Deer Festival has become one of the UK’s favourite Americana, country, and western festivals. Black Deer prides itself on being a festival that celebrates not only Country music, but the Americana way of life, so if you’re attending be sure to expect a fully Western experience!

Black Deer Festival is hosted in Eridge Park near Royal Tunbridge Wells and is typically held in June. This lush location and prime summer date makes for the perfect Western weekend with beautiful British sunshine (though we recommend you wear your waterproof Western boots, just in case!).

The line-up changes every year, but you can expect Americana’s biggest and brightest stars to appear on stage for your entertainment. From Iron & Wine to Bonnie Raitt; Kurt Vile to CMAT; Van Morrison to Imelda May; prepare to be wowed with excellent contemporary Country music every night. It’s a weekend you won’t forget and, once you experience it once, it’s a festival you’ll want to go back to year after year.

Maverick Festival

Where: Woodbridge, Suffolk

When: July

Launched in 2008, Maverick Festival is the UK's first Americana event and is an annual festival dedicated to celebrating Americana and roots music, held at Easton Farm Park in Suffolk. This intimate festival, typically taking place in early July, showcases a diverse line-up of artists, with performances spread across multiple stages, including both indoor and outdoor venues.

In addition to live music, the festival features workshops, film screenings, and dance lessons, creating a rich cultural atmosphere. Attendees can also enjoy local food and drink vendors, adding a taste of regional flavour to the event.

The Maverick Festival stands out for its artistic integrity and picturesque rural setting, making it a must-visit for fans of Americana and roots music.

The Long Road

Where: Stanford Hall, Northampton

When: August

The Long Road Festival started in 2018 and has since grown in popularity, becoming a key event in the UK's country music calendar. It aims to provide an authentic Americana experience, bringing a taste of the American South to the British countryside.

This festival, typically occurring in late summer, features a mix of established and emerging artists across multiple stages, spanning genres such as country, blues, roots, and folk.

With options for on-site camping, including family-friendly and glamping facilities, The Long Road Festival provides an authentic Americana experience, making it a must-visit for music lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

We are also excited to announce that Ariat is proudly sponsoring The Long Road Festival this year! Join us for a weekend of incredible Americana and country music, and discover our latest collection at our festival booth.

Nashville Meets London

Where: London

When: Year round

As the name suggests, this festival is where the legacy of country music in Nashville is transported to London. But Nashville Meets London is not your average country music festival. Originally hosted as a traditional festival, free of charge, in London, NML has transitioned into hosting regular events in the UK’s capital city to offer as much exposure to great country music as possible.

Nashville Meets London is a true celebration of the best contemporary country music on the scene and is a place for country & western fans to get together and have fun. With past acts including Cassadee Pope, Noah Guthrie, Sarah Darling, and Holloway Road, Nashville Meets London is second-to-none in terms of showcasing great country musicians. From Canada Square to the Royal Albert Hall, from Nashville to London, these are Western events to keep an eye out for.