Where the heart of Nashville meets the soul of the East Midlands.

Get ready for the inaugural year of Country on the Eye, a brand-new festival celebrating country, folk, and roots music. We’re bringing the rich heritage of the US scene and the very best of British talent to the historic Play Close Park in Melton Mowbray.

The festival kicks off on Friday, June 12th, 2026 with our exclusive Songwriters Series, followed by a full day of music and celebration on Saturday 13th June.

Country on the Eye is more than just a music festival; it is a long-awaited homecoming. Launching in the summer of 2026, we are bringing the authentic sounds of Nashville, country, roots, bluegrass and folk to the East Midlands. Hosted by the Melton Mowbray Town Estate (MMTE) and curated by artistic director Ben Atkinson, the voice behind the internationally syndicated Ben’s Country Music Show, this festival marks a dual celebration: our inaugural year and the 18th anniversary of Ben’s iconic programme. Together, we’ve designed this experience to give back to the fans, creating the kind of atmosphere where world-class music meets a warm, family-friendly community.

Our 2026 debut lineup is a hand-picked collection of iconic acts. We are thrilled to welcome UK No. 1 country artist and BCMA Male Vocalist of the Year, Gary Quinn, as our main headliner. Joining him is a mix of international talent, including the UK festival debut of US duo Karli and James, and a very special "Legend Slot" honouring the late John Montague, featuring a rare one-off return to the UK by Austin-based songwriter Bob Cheevers. From the bluegrass energy of rising UK band The Often Herd to the storytelling of one of Nashville’s premiere songwriters, Victoria Banks, the stage is set for a weekend of unforgettable performances.

The festival finds its home in the historic Play Close Park, nestled along the River Eye in Melton Mowbray. The beautiful surrounds of the park are steeped in nearly 500 years of history, courtesy of the Melton Mowbray Town Estate. Against this beautiful backdrop, you’ll find our mainstage and beyond, you can grab a local craft beer in our Acoustic Tent, featuring unique performances, interviews and meet-and-greets, get your boots stomping in our line dance workshops, or take on the rodeo bull challenge. With US-inspired food stalls and plenty of local charm, it’s a true celebration of Americana culture.

Whether you are travelling from nearby Leicester or making the trip from across the UK, we’ve made sure your stay is comfortable. With easy rail and road links, plenty of local hotels in Melton Mowbray and the surrounding beauty of the Vale of Belvoir, and camping for those who want to join us close to the festival site, there’s a place for everyone. 

Join us on Friday, June 12th, for our exclusive Songwriters Series to kick off a brand-new chapter in the UK country music scene. We can’t wait to see you by the river.