Well folks, it’s that time again for a good ole’ dose of Country, Americana and Roots — so it’s off to The Long Road Festival at Stanford Hall, Leicestershire. The sun was shining, spirits were high, and for a moment it felt like nothing could possibly go wrong.
Friday began bright and warm… until the heavens opened. And when they opened, they really opened. A full‑blown deluge swept across the site, shutting down the Main Stage, Buddy’s, and halting sets from Stella Prince (Front Porch), Striking Matches (Interstate), and Gina Larner. For an hour or so, everyone ran for cover.
Then, as if on cue, the sun returned, and only one man could pull the festival back from the brink: Steve Earle, solo, holding the crowd in the palm of his hand with songs like Copperhead Road. A fantastic, defiant moment.
Earlier in the day, Harleymoon Kemp lit up the Interstate Stage. Dressed head‑to‑toe in white, she delivered a confident, captivating set. She’s played The Long Road before, starting out on the tiny Buddy’s stage, and it’s clear she’s rising fast.
Friday closed with homegrown favourites The Shires, mixing old hits with new material from their latest album. A warm, crowd‑pleasing end to a chaotic day.
Across the site, artists paid tribute to Dolly Parton, whose passing cast a gentle shadow over the weekend. “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” echoed from multiple stages, while boards around the arena filled with handwritten messages. Backstage, a huge banner signed by artists stood as a heartfelt tribute to one of country’s true greats.
Saturday promised 96% rain, but it felt more like 100%. It hammered down almost nonstop.
Headliner Bailey Zimmerman pulled out due to “important family matters,” and in a twist no one saw coming, Ronnie Wood stepped in. Some fans left, insisting he “wasn’t country,” but he gave it everything — rolling through classics like On the Road Again and Chain of Fools, plus Stones favourites It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll and Dead Flowers. As a Stones fan myself, it was fantastic. Imelda May joined him on vocals, her powerhouse voice cutting through the rain like a beacon.
A standout discovery of the weekend was Hayley Jensen from Australia. She played both Interstate and Front Porch to packed crowds, delivering a storming set of country pop/rock that won over everyone within earshot.
Then came Brennen Leigh on Interstate — a glorious blend of country and bluegrass, dressed in a throwback 50s style that matched her sound perfectly.
Sunday carried a sense of anticipation: Emmylou Harris, at 79 years old, took to the stage and delivered a spellbinding set spanning her long, varied career. That voice — still unmistakable, still unbelievable.
Supporting her on this final European tour was Jim Lauderdale, who played the Front Porch. An American country‑bluegrass songwriter with decades of history, his songs have been covered by Elvis Costello, George Strait, Vince Gill and the Dixie Chicks — and his set was a reminder of why.
A new discovery for many was Lily Fitts, performing on the Interstate Stage. A singer‑songwriter from Massachusetts, she brought a beautifully stripped‑back American folk sound that resonated deeply.
Over the weekend, more than 40,000 fans descended on The Long Road, and despite the weather, no one left disappointed. As always, the festival delivered heart, heritage, discovery, and community.
But like all good things, it had to end. Time to head home, if you can find your car in the mud, and count down the days until 2027, when we get to do it all again!
Review & Photos by Leigh Bruin
