Following 2023’s sell-out, The Long Road festival is returning to the picturesque grounds of Stanford Hall in Leicestershire over the August bank holiday weekend (23rd-25th August). The Long Road has a track record of putting on the finest country, Americana, roots, rock and folk stars and 2024 has a strong bill across the weekend covering the full range.
The Long Road has announced all the acts and the day and stage splits which allows for some basic planning but as with every festival the real logistics kick in with the announcement of the stage times and the launch of the festival app. In their absence, this attendee’s planning has got down to the grading choice which unsurprisingly focus on the americana end of the spectrum. Day by day here’s what to expect:
Friday
Photo : Melodie Yvonne
All the A list are on the Interstate stage starting with Brooklyn’s Gangstagrass, who successfully crowdfunded their latest album, return to the UK with their unique, edgy and addictive blend of hip hop and bluegrass. Then there’s Campbell Jensen who many will have seen at this year’s UK AmericanaFest and americana stalwarts American Aquarium.
The other stages are taken up with UK country and americana acts so it’s a good opportunity to hear new acts and catch a performance from those you like already.
Saturday
Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
The Rhinestone main stage opens for business on Saturday, and I have three acts earmarked: AMA new act nominee Wyatt Flores, rocker Kyle Daniel and powerhouse black country artist Brittney Spencer. Paula Cole is also back in the UK for the first time in decades. Meanwhile the Interstate stage hosts the Red Clay Strays and Julian Taylor.
The smaller stages are packed with strong acts: the awesome Katie Pruitt will be at the Front Porch as will black country acts Michael Warren and Tiera Kennedy while over at Buddy’s Bar we can look forward to Adeem The Artist, Kassi Valazza and LA’s Pearl Charles.
Sunday
Photo: The Zeitgeist Agency
Southern US acts dominate the personal A list on Sunday with personal favourite, the electric Jess Williamson playing the Rhinestone stage as is fellow Texan Randall King while their compatriot Kaitlin Butts can be found at the Interstate.
In Buddy’s Bar, North Carolina’s S.G. Goodman will be playing a set as will Louisiana’s Dylan Leblanc and Texan Vincent Neil Emerson. The rest of the bill can be tailored to fit once those all-important timings are released.
The festival also offers a range of fun activities for families of all ages and vendors selling stateside street food featuring the very best in the art of true BBQ style and campfire cooking. From the ‘Sounds Familiar Music Quiz’ (new for 2024), to late night entertainment at the Buck n’ Bull and Yee Haw after parties, and live Countryoke at Buddy’s Bar, there’s something here for everyone. Firm favourites remain during the day with The Lucky Dice Classic Car and Bike Show, Wild Swimming and Mechanical Bull Rides as well as the craft beer and liquor bar to round out the whole experience. Plus, there are plenty of dog friendly activities.
The festival’s musical entertainment is spread over six stages: the main Rhinestone stage which hosts the big headliners (this year country star Russell Dickerson and folk-pop veteran Don MacLean), the intermediate Interstate stage, which is a good-sized tent and the smaller, more intimate Front Porch and Buddy’s Bar. There is also the Showground, a tiny stage for upcoming performers.
Whatever, this year’s Long Road promises to be an excellent three days of music and fun catching up with friends around the site.
Remaining tickets and other details all are available from the festival website here.
Hope to see you there, Richard. Hoping Jess Williamson and Kaitlin Butts don’t clash. American Aquarium, Kassi Valazza, Lola Kirke, Andrew Combs, SG Goodman and Red Clay Strays are acts I’d like to catch. Festival app still doesn’t appear to be available.