DON MCLEAN has been announced as a UK exclusive in The Long Way 2024

The UK is the home of country, American and roots music and culture, The long road, announces its second wave of additions to the festival's highly anticipated lineup this summer. Building on the excitement generated by the first announcement, the second headliner and a new batch of talent are now heading to Stanford Hall, Leicestershire in the heart of the English countryside. From 23 to 25 August 2024.

This year's lineup is led by the legendary American singer-songwriter Don McLean, his only live UK appearance at the festival this year. Known for his timeless classics like “American Pie” and “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” as well as his cover of Roy Orbison’s “Crying” which reached No. 1 in the UK, Don’s music tells a stirring story of the American experience and resonates with people in the whole world. Although Don's latest original album release “Botanical Gardens” is rooted in American folk music, it was recorded in Nashville and crosses a range of old-time country, honky-tonk and rock 'n' roll styles, giving McLean his first appearance in country music's most famous country music genre. The famous theater last month, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. McLean's headline performance on Saturday promises to be one of the highlights of the festival, as he will captivate audiences as he plays all the favourites.

“I am delighted to be back in England to perform at The Long Road Festival. Since I have decided to stop doing bus tours to far-flung destinations, I will be back to perform for private shows. I love England and am looking forward to seeing my fans again.”

Don McLean

McLean is joined in the lineup by a diverse array of talent spanning different genres within a broad spectrum of country and Americana. Newly announced artists include the likes of Paula Cole She gave her first ever UK performance at TLR this year. The popular singer-songwriter from Massachusetts is known for songs like “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” and Dawson's Creek's theme, “I Don't Wanna Wait.” She also made history at the 1998 Grammy Awards when she became the first woman in Grammy history to be nominated as Producer of the Year for her work on her album “Amen.” . The Long Road is excited to unveil the addition of Nashville Ron Bobwho gained great fame when his song “A Drop in the Ocean” went viral, catapulting him to international fame and resulting in millions of listens around the world.

Elsewhere, bands with indie-folk leanings bring lush harmonies and infectious melodies National parks, Alan Power and The Take Two And the unique duo Campbell JensenPlus a wealth of captivating American artists including Liverpool artists Robert Vincent And Louisiana Dylan LeBlanc.

Proudly representing an exotic country at TLR Katie Pruitt With its grass roots sounds and Brooke Eden, a rising country pop artist from Florida. TV fans will recognize Florence Pugh's brother Toby Sebastian, who was not only described by Rolling Stone as someone to watch in 2023, but also plays Trystane Martell in the HBO series Game of Thrones. TLR 2022 favorites Gangster grass They return from Brooklyn this year with their unique and addictive blend of hip-hop and bluegrass, representing more of the UK's hometown sounds this year as part of Tour with two ways home He will pray Dolly Mavis, gasoline & matches a duck Joe Martin.

All these names and more join an already impressive line-up of previously announced performances, including Sunday Stone's main stage headliner Russell DickersonIn addition to White Flores, Flatland Cavalry, Randall King, Red Clay Strays, American Aquarium, Chapel Heart, Bucky LaFarge, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Colby Caillat, Brittney Spencer, Remember Monday, Jimmy Lawson. And more across the festival's five stages and creative performance spaces, as well as the theater takeovers it hosts Loose music a duck Color me country with Recy Palmer.

Commenting on today's announcement, Tennessee-born TLR said Creative Director Bailyn Leonard He said: “You can't think of the last 60 years of American music and popular culture without the work of Don McLean coming to mind, so I couldn't be more excited to introduce this legendary artist as our headliner on Saturday. This will be the only chance to see him live in the Kingdom.” United this year, and with his timeless songs and after his Grand Ole Opry debut, this will certainly be an unforgettable moment for the Long Roaders. Along with Don, we can't wait to host more of the shows we love so much at Stanford Hall in August, with some of them making an appearance , as Paula Cole, for the first time with us in the UK There really is something for everyone as we continue to celebrate all the different sounds under this big umbrella called country The weekend is set to be filled with the opportunity to find new friends and favourites, as well as seeing moments Unique for all time… the countdown begins!

Having sold out in 2023, and now enjoying its largest capacity yet, The long road It is one of the fastest growing festivals in the UK. Offering more than just music, it's a celebration of everything that makes country and American culture so special. With a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, the festival supports the diversity of the genre and a variety of sounds and styles, and is ultimately here to bring people together by fostering connections and shared experiences. With country music's ability to tap into the essence of the human experience through authentic storytelling, honesty, and emotional depth, there's always something new and exciting to discover every summer.

In addition to the amazing lineup, The Long Road will also offer an array of entertainment activities for families of all ages and vendors selling America's finest street food featuring the best in true art. barbeque Style and Campfire cooking. from Sounds familiar music quiz (New for 2024), for late night entertainment at Buck n Bull a duck Ye Hao After partying, live Countryuk Which Friends barThere is something here for everyone. Remains a constant favorite during the day with Lucky Dice Classic Cars and Bikes Show, Wild swimming a duck Mechanical bull riding And also exceptional Craft beer and liquor A bar to complete the whole experience. Plus there are plenty of dog-friendly activities to entertain your furry companions at TLR, who can join in Tootles and Nibs Dog Show, Parade like the countryTalent programme Rex agent a duck Temptation glove.

Accommodating everyone, there is a range of camping and He camps in a prepared place Options, incl Playground and park a duck Resident vehicle Areas for recreational vehicles of all sizes. Guests can also take advantage of a luxury camping experience and make The Long Road a home away from home for the weekend. Due to popular demand, The Long Road has increased camping capacity for 2024, giving more people the opportunity to spend a weekend in the stunning grounds of Stanford Hall.

The Long Road Festival takes place from 23 to 25 August 2024 at Stanford Hall, Leicestershire. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday will go on sale from 9am on Thursday 11 April, along with a range of Final Release ticket options for Weekend, Camping, High Falootin' VIP, Live Vehicle and Pitch & Park, all available via: https://www.thelongroad.com/tickets/