Distinguished musician and celebrated songwriter Graham Nash OBE is set to take the spotlight as the headlining act at The British Country Music Festival, returning to his birthplace to grace the Winter Gardens stage in Blackpool. The festival is scheduled to take place from September 1st to 3rd, 2023.

Nash, renowned for his pivotal roles in both The Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash (CSN), garnered the esteemed “Legendary Spirit of Americana Free Speech in Music” accolade at Americana Fest in Nashville, along with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the UK Americana Awards in 2017. Nash's exceptional contributions were twice recognized with induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, notably for his work with Crosby Stills & Nash.

Marina Blore, the driving force behind The British Country Music Festival, expressed, “This will be the first time that Graham Nash has performed in Blackpool as a solo artist. The last time was a member of The Hollies in 1967”

She added, “Our festival celebrates UK song writing talent in country, Americana and all its sub genres. The North-West of England is known globally as the birthplace of some of the greatest songwriters the world has ever known. Graham Nash is one such legend and it is an honour to welcome him back to Blackpool to pay homage to him on home ground.”

Leading the Friday night lineup is Irish-born country sensation Donna Taggart. Donna's meteoric rise to international acclaim was solidified in 2016 with the release of her chart-topping single “Jealous of the Angels” from the album Celtic Lady 2. The song swiftly amassed over 25 million online streams within a week, reaching Number 1 on the US Billboard World Album Catalogue chart for three consecutive weeks.

Now in its fourth year, The British Country Music Festival continues its tradition of highlighting homegrown headliners, while nurturing UK emerging talents, some of whom progress from support roles to commanding main stage slots in subsequent editions.

The Empress Ballroom stage will resonate with captivating performances by artists such as Megan McKenna, Simeon Hammond Dallas, Jade Helliwell, and The Dunwells. Closing out the weekend, Ashley Campbell (daughter of Glen Campbell) and Thor Jensen will shine as the dynamic duo Campbell Jensen.

An already impressive roster boasts names like Robbie Cavanagh, New Zealand’s Kylie Price, and Mercury Prize nominee and former I Am Kloot frontman John Bramwell, who debuts with his new ensemble, The Full Harmonic Convergence. Festival attendees will have the privilege of experiencing Bramwell's anticipated new material live, ahead of its wider release.

With an eclectic lineup of over 100 artists featuring on four stages, the ever-enchanting Songwriters’ Carousel, and an impressive blend of established and emerging talents, The British Country Music Festival remains a fresh musical exploration, illuminating the path for the headliners of tomorrow.

For ticket inquiries, please visit www.britishcountrymusicfestival.com. Stay updated through social media channels @TBCMF.

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and Managing Director of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.