One month countdown to Country On The Eye, UK’s newest country music festival

We’re officially in the final countdown! In just one month, we’ll be bringing the heart of Nashville to the banks of the River Eye as we launch the very first Country On The Eye festival here in Melton Mowbray.

From 12–13 June 2026, we’re transforming Play Close Park into a celebration of authentic country, folk, and roots music. We’ve always believed that the best music comes from original songwriting and true storytelling, which is why we’ve curated a lineup that moves away from the typical tribute acts and focuses entirely on original artists.

We are incredibly proud of the world-class talent joining us on the main stage. We’ll be hosting the UK’s No.1 male country artist, Gary Quinn, alongside Nashville’s own Karli & James for their UK festival debut. We’re also thrilled to welcome hit songwriter Victoria Banks for her first-ever UK appearance, and we’ll be witnessing a piece of music history as the legendary Bob Cheevers comes out of retirement for one final show to accept our inaugural John Montague Legend Award.

Today, we are also excited to announce the full lineup for our Acoustic Stage. After a rigorous judging process with industry experts such as Ben Earle of The Shires, we’ve selected a fantastic group of rising UK talent. A huge congratulations to Ruby Lily, who was chosen as our overall winner and will be returning for a main stage slot at a future festival.

We’ve designed this weekend to be about more than just the music. We want you to join us for intimate artist interviews in our Acoustic Tent, get involved in our line-dancing workshops, and enjoy some proper Americana-inspired food and drink by the river. Whether you’re a lifelong country fan or just looking for a great weekend out, we’ve created an inclusive, warm atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

We can't wait to see you there. Tickets are available now, starting from just £12.

See you by the river!

The Country On The Eye Team