The Long Road is one of the UK’s biggest country music festivals and it happens right here in Leicestershire.
The weekend of country, Americana and roots returns to Stanford Hall in Lutterworth from 27 – 30 August with performances from Maren Morris, The Shires, Josh Ross, Ronnie Wood with Imelda May, The 502s, EmmyLou Harris, Steve Earle and many more.
We caught up with festival’s Creative Director, Baylen Leonard, to find out more about it.
How would you describe The Long Road for anyone who’s never been before?
A super friendly welcoming festival with people of all ages, families, dogs, and loads of activities. If you’ve never been before, come for the day and see what you think, it might just change your mind about what you think country music is.
The festival is held here in our county of Leicestershire, what made you choose Stanford Hall for the location?
It’s just so beautiful, with so many different wooded areas and the river running through it, we knew it was a really special place and we could build a unique experience there as soon as we saw it. The House also provides a great focal point near the mainstage and all the American artists are always blown away by it.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing this year?
It’s easy to get excited about the big acts like Emmylou Harris, Maren Morris, Imelda May, & Ronnie Wood but I really love seeing the crowd reaction to up and coming artists and acts that are playing the UK for the first time. There’s always someone on the lineup that goes on to become a household name and people at the festival get bragging rights that they saw them first.
Dealing with a late headliner cancellation can’t be easy, how was the process of finding a replacement and also one that’s such a big name?
In a live event of this size, there are always so many moving parts so you have to take it on the chin, pick up the phone and see who’s available then you make the best decision for the audience you can. When a stone cold legend like Ronnie Wood is available, even though it might be an unexpected addition, you know he’s going to deliver a show everyone will remember. To see an actual Rolling Stone so close up is going to be a huge moment.
Tell us about what people can expect from The Long Road besides the music?
TLR is really a lifestyle festival, so a lot of care goes into the programming beyond the music. We have a fully stacked kids area with loads of activities throughout the weekend, Smoke & Fire is the UK’s biggest BBQ live event and they are doing cooking demos all weekend, there’s a funfair, dog show, eating contests, Lucky Dice – our classic car and bike show is a huge part of the festival, along with craft workshops, late night parties and loads more. There really is something for everyone beyond the music.
Country music has seen such a huge surge in popularity lately, why do you think that is?
No matter what kind of music you like, there is a type of country music for you. There are so many styles and influences in country music and now with the way we all listen to music, it’s easier to discover what you like. Country music is also so great at storytelling and getting straight to the point so whether you want escapism or realism, country music has you covered.
What is the best hidden gem on The Long Road festival site?
If you take a walk through the woods behind the funfair and follow the path, you’ll come to a little backwoods bar we call Buddy’s with live music and good times from morning to late night, it feels like a whole other world.
The Long Road takes place at Stanford Hall, Lutterworth, from 27 – 30 August. Remaining day and weekend tickets are on sale from thelongroad.com.
