About this Event
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, hosted by the historic Melton Mowbray Town Estate.
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.
Curated by Ben Atkinson (host of the internationally syndicated Ben’s Country Music Show), our 2026 debut features a stellar lineup of US and UK talent, including the UK’s favourite homegrown talent, BCMA Male Vocalist of the Year and No.1 artist Gary Quinn making his festival headline debut. Gary is joined by rising US duo Karli and James who also make their UK festival debut, alongside folk troubadour Will Varley, UK Bluegrass outfit The Often Herd, Austin-Texas legend Bob Cheevers, Nashville songwriter Victoria Banks and so many more.
Find out more about the festival www.countryontheeye.co.uk including our acoustic tent, festival fun, workshops and americana inspired food and drink. All taking place the beautiful surroundings of Play Close Park, Melton Mowbray and the near 500 year history of the festival organisers, Melton Mowbray Town Estate (MMTE).
Join us as we kick off a brand-new chapter in the UK country music scene. We can’t wait to see you by the river.
Country on the Eye Festival - Saturday 13th June
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.
Songwriters Series Friday 12th June
Join us for the inaugural Country on the Eye Songwriters Series. In true Nashville tradition, we bring three of the best songwriters and artists from the US to the East Midlands for this unique event. The songwriter showcase has become synonymous with iconic Nashville spots like the Blue Bird Cafe, The Listening Room and The Station Inn. From Nashville to Austin, join us to hear the stories behind the songs and get a glimpse into the songwriting process as our guests perform stripped-down acoustic versions of their favourites from across their catalogues. The event will be hosted by Ben Atkinson, presenter of Ben's Country Music Show, the UK's longest-running independent country music radio show.
Discounted combined tickets are avaible for entry to both the Song Writers Series and the Festival. Individual tickets ar also available for each.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Play Close Park, Park Lane, Melton Mowbray, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00 to GBP 61.38
