Country Calling brings together international and homegrown country talent for a lively summer celebration between Friday, August 14 and Sunday, August 16 2026 in Chelmsford, Essex. Here, the organisers give us an insight into the festival where the fans come first. There’s something special happening in the British country music scene. What was once a niche genre has become one of the UK’s fastest-growing music communities, and few events capture that spirit quite like Country Calling. Set against the backdrop of Kings Farm in Chelmsford, Country Calling has established itself as one of the UK’s most exciting country music festivals. Bringing together international stars, rising talent and passionate fans, the festival combines authentic country music with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of community. International country music artists This year’s festival continues that tradition by bringing major international artists to UK audiences, including US country stars Randy Houser and Parmalee, both making their UK country festival headline debuts. Alongside these acclaimed performers, the festival presents a diverse line-up reflecting the global growth of country music. By the fans, for the fans Country Calling was created by country music fans, for country music fans. The small team behind the festival have watched the genre flourish across the UK, but recognised that many country-themed events were centred around tribute acts. They believed fans wanted more opportunities to experience the real artists behind the music. With several members of the team having worked professionally within the country music industry for more than a decade, they understood both the audience and the artists, giving them a unique perspective on what was missing from the UK festival landscape. When the opportunity arose to create something different, the stars aligned and Country Calling was born. “The growth of country music has become a truly global phenomenon,” says Country Calling Festival Creative Director Donna Zanetti. “While Nashville and the USA continue to shape the top end of our line-up with many of the genre’s biggest and most widely recognised stars, we’re equally passionate about championing the next generation of talent. Our aim is to create a programme that reflects the exceptional calibre and diversity of country music globally, balancing established headline artists with emerging acts we believe are on the verge of something special. “That’s why we continue to seek out talent from around the world, bringing artists from countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, across Europe and the UK to perform alongside major US stars. “Country Calling has built a reputation for giving audiences the opportunity to experience future stars early in their journey, often through UK festival debuts, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.” Diversity champions That commitment to diversity extends beyond geography. Country Calling has also worked hard to champion female artists, striving for a near 50/50 split between male and female performers. In a genre where festival line-ups have historically been dominated by men, the festival is proud to showcase the breadth of talent shaping modern country music. Beyond the music, Country Calling delivers a complete country lifestyle experience. Alongside performances across multiple stages, visitors can enjoy line dancing, a Nashville-style dive bar, live cooking demonstrations, American muscle car displays, shopping villages, family entertainment and a wide range of food and drink experiences. Family friendly fest The festival is equally committed to ensuring live music remains accessible to the next generation of country fans. Every paid adult ticket includes a free ticket for a child under 16, with additional children’s tickets available from just £10 for a day ticket or £26 for the weekend. At the heart of the festival, the free Little Wranglers Kids Club offers artist singalongs, arts and crafts led by the teachers behind That Kid Life, children’s line dancing lessons and plenty more, while food vendors provide affordable, child-friendly meal options throughout the weekend. At the heart of the festival’s music discovery experience is the Caffè Nero Stage, where great coffee meets great live music. While country music remains at its core, the programme broadens the musical landscape to include Americana, blues and folk, creating a unique soundtrack across the weekend. Curated in partnership with Talentbanq and Imagesound, it’s a welcoming space to discover new artists, enjoy intimate performances and recharge between headline sets. Original recording artists What sets Country Calling apart is its commitment to discovery, authenticity and opportunity. Every artist on the bill is an original recording artist, ensuring audiences experience the real voices shaping modern country music rather than tribute acts. This year alone, fans can enjoy first-time UK festival performances from artists including Australia’s James Johnston, Canada’s Madeline Merlo and many more from around the world. Every year, there are artists on the bill who the team believe are just one great performance away from becoming country music’s next big stars. Some of the artists making their UK debuts at Country Calling today may well return as future headliners. In a festival landscape increasingly crowded with tribute acts and familiar formats, Country Calling has carved out its own identity by championing authentic artists, international and homegrown talent, and genuine music discovery. For fans looking to experience the real voices shaping modern country music, it has become one of the most exciting destinations on the UK country music calendar.
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