It’s the final countdown to The British Country Music Festival that launches in Blackpool at the spectacular, indoor Winter Gardens entertainment complex, 13-15 September 2019.
With five stages hosting over 100 artists, the inaugural festival celebrates some of the UK’s leading Country and Americana singer-songwriters with Sarah Darling, Ward Thomas, and Catherine McGrath claiming the headline slots on each of the three days.
Produced by Fit The Bill Ltd in association with The Blackpool Entertainment Company, this annual event looks set to stake its claim as the leading festival showcasing the best of British, as well as celebrating the impact the UK is having on Country music and the artists that are making Nashville sit up and take notice.
Martin Blore, Executive Producer from Fit The Bill explains: “This is such a creative time for UK Country music, our singer-songwriters are delivering amazing work and we have so much to be proud of as a nation. Artists are producing music and lyrics that genuinely reflect British values and finally we have our own unique Country sound that is establishing the UK as cutting edge in this genre.”
He added: “Our festival line-up delivers some of the best musicians and writers and we have a great mix of headliners and emerging bands. We hope that the Green Room will become a hub where new talent can learn from established artists and ideas and advice can be shared for the benefit of the industry in general.”
Hosting the main stage in the stunning Empress Ballroom on Friday and Sunday evening is Country Hits radio presenter, podcaster, music producer and TV judge Matt Spracklen. Having studied in Nashville, his knowledge of the Country music scene in the UK and across the pond makes him the perfect choice to introduce the evening headliners. He will also be hosting DJ sets on Friday and Saturday to take the party into the early hours.
Star in the making Twinnie, will make her debut as festival host for the main stage on Saturday night, as well as performing her own set packed with songs that have made the BBC Radio 2 playlist throughout the summer. Support artists include Honey Ryder, The Adelaides, Megan O’Neill, Worry Dolls, Danny McMahon, Jake Morrell, Beth Rowley and Laura Oakes.
One of the UK’s leading Country music record producers Tim Prottey-Jones will be performing with his new band The Fatherline and he will also be hosting a Songwriter’s Carousel on the Saturday afternoon with Twinnie, Jake Morrell and The Luck.
For dance enthusiasts, The Long Haul band will provide live music on Friday and Saturday afternoon in the Winter Gardens Pavilion. The Horseshoe Promenade will provide opportunities for shopping and there is a restaurant, pop-up food traders and a café inside the venue.
With the World Firework Championships and the illuminations in full glow, there is a sub theme of neon at the festival with the tagline ‘where the lights are shining’. Festival goers are encouraged to dress up and make the most of the indoor location.
Tickets are available here.