The Long Road Festival is set to return for its most expansive edition yet in August 2025, with organisers today revealing that acclaimed British singer-songwriter James Bay will close out the festival as Sunday night’s headliner. Bay, a Brit Award winner, Ivor Novello recipient, and GRAMMY nominee, joins a stellar lineup of country, Americana, and roots artists, including previously announced U.S. headliners Drake Milligan (Friday) and Midland (Saturday).

Taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend (August 22-24) at Stanford Hall, Leicestershire, The Long Road has been described by DIY as a “haven of country, Americana, and roots” music and culture. The festival continues to grow, welcoming a diverse array of artists from both sides of the Atlantic.

Bay, who will be making his Long Road debut, released his fourth studio album Changes All The Time last year via Mercury/Republic Records. Best known for his multi-Platinum, UK #1 debut Chaos and the Calm, featuring hit singles Hold Back The River and Let It Go, Bay has consistently drawn influence from Nashville’s rich musical traditions, working with renowned artists such as Noah Kahan, The Lumineers, The Killers’ Brandon Flowers, and Holly Humberstone on his latest work.

“Country and Americana have always been huge inspirations for me,” said Bay. “So much of my music has roots in Nashville – I've been lucky to play some of the city's iconic venues like the Bluebird and the Ryman and I’ve always been drawn to the incredible storytelling in these genres. I can’t wait to close out The Long Road 2025, headlining the Rhinestone Stage on Sunday, August 24th – it’s going to be a special one!”

Bay’s addition to the festival has been met with excitement by The Long Road’s Creative Director, Baylen Leonard: “At The Long Road, we’re all about celebrating the best in country, roots, Americana, and always looking to broaden our lineup with something for every music lover. James Bay is one of the finest singer-songwriters out there and is the perfect complement to what we do. Can't wait for the Sunday sing-along!”

The festival also revealed an array of additional artists joining the 2025 lineup, including French rising star Bobbie, acclaimed Canadian-British folk collaborators Bonnie Dobson & the Hanging Stars, multiple UK Americana Music Award winners Danny & The Champions of the World, New Orleans-based sibling duo Crowe Boys, and Nashville-based Irish folk-pop singer Darren Kiely. Other acts include The White Buffalo, David Unlayao, Denitia, Evan Bartels, First Time Flyers, and two-time GRAMMY winner Gill Landry.

Described by Cosmopolitan as “a slice of stateside culture with some of the biggest acts all in one place,” The Long Road has built a reputation for showcasing top-tier talent alongside emerging artists. The festival’s 2025 edition will feature performances across six stages, including the Rhinestone Stage, which will open earlier than ever for weekend ticket holders, The Interstate, The Front Porch, and Buddy’s—a country bar nestled in the woodland. A brand-new sixth stage is also set to debut, with more details to come.

Returning for its sixth year, The Long Road Festival promises a blend of legendary and emerging talent, Nashville-style songwriter rounds, artist meet-and-greets, and late-night afterparties. The event runs from Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 24, 2025. Tickets, including Weekend, Camping, Day, Kids, and VIP options, are available now at www.thelongroad.com/tickets.

Additional artists announced today [A-Z]:

Bobbie ★ Bonnie Dobson & the Hanging Stars ★ Chris Linton ★ Crowe Boys ★ Danny & The Champions of the World ★ Darren Kiely ★ David Unlayao ★ Denitia ★ Evan Bartels ★ First Time Flyers ★ Gill Landry ★ Greazy Alice ★ Jade Turner ★ James Bay ★ Kellie Loder ★ Mackenzie Carpenter ★ Nolan Taylor ★ Robbie Cavanagh ★ The Rockingbirds ★ The White Buffalo

So much of my music has roots in Nashville – I've been lucky to play some of the city's iconic venues like the Bluebird and the Ryman and I’ve always been drawn to the incredible storytelling in these genres

Author: Adam Bailey

Adam is a regular contributor for established press release distribution website Release-News.com. He writes on a wide range of topics including music.