Ben R. Atkinson

The inaugural Country On The Eye Festival in Melton Mowbray takes place in just two months on Friday 12th June and Saturday 13th June.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the newest event on the vibrant UK country music scene and the first of its kind in the East Midlands, bringing original country, folk and roots music to the beautiful surroundings of Melton Mowbray’s Play Close Park with its 500-year history and location at the heart of the town.

Country on the Eye opens with a Nashville-style Songwriters Series on Friday night, inspired by iconic venues such as the Bluebird Cafe and The Listening Room. Saturday delivers a full day of live performances celebrating storytelling, musicianship and authentic Americana sounds.

The 2026 lineup features Gary Quinn, the UK’s No.1 country artist and BCMA Male Vocalist of the Year, headlining the festival. He is joined by US duo Karli and James in their UK festival debut, Austin, Texas, songwriting legend Bob Cheevers, award-winning Nashville songwriters Victoria Banks (Reba McEntire, Sara Evans, Carly Pearce) and Jeff Cohen (The Shires, The Band Perry, Big & Rich), folk troubadour Will Varley, bluegrass rising stars The Often Herd, BBC Introducing Act Emily River Thomson and a very special performance from the Song Suffragettes London in partnership with CountryWomenUK.

Unlike many country events, Country on the Eye showcases only original artists, placing songwriting and musical authenticity at the heart of the experience.

Alongside the main stage, festivalgoers can explore an Acoustic Tent featuring intimate sets and artist interviews, take part in line-dancing workshops, enjoy Americana-inspired food and drink, and soak up the relaxed riverside atmosphere.

Hosted by the Melton Mowbray Town Estate, Country on the Eye is designed as a warm, inclusive festival for dedicated music fans and curious newcomers alike.

Tickets and full details available at: https://countryontheeye.co.uk/tickets

Country on the Eye is a brand-new festival celebrating the best in original country music, launching in June 2026 at Play Close Park, Melton Mowbray. We’re delighted to announce our full lineup for the inaugural year.

In addition to the acts already announced, the full lineup adds the London Song Suffragettes residency, who will be joining us for a special one-of-a-kind show featuring the best female singer-songwriters from the UK to share songs and stories. Song Suffragettes is Nashville’s pre-eminent, all-female acoustic showcase and collective founded in 2014 and performing weekly at the Listening Room Cafe.

Plus, distinguished, 6-time BMI Award-winning, Grammy and CMT Award-nominated songwriter, producer, and publisher, Jeff Cohen, will perform on the main stage on Saturday, 13th June and join us for the Songwriters Showcase on Friday, 12th June.

Curated by broadcaster Ben Atkinson, the festival brings the authentic sounds of Nashville, Austin and the UK roots scene to the East Midlands. Across two days, enjoy an intimate Songwriters Series, a full day of live performances, acoustic sessions, workshops, and Americana culture in a relaxed riverside setting.

Country on the Eye is more than a festival. It’s a celebration of songwriting, storytelling and community. We can’t wait to welcome you by the river.

Join us on 12–13 June 2026.

We can confirm that Emmy-winning songwriter Bob Cheevers will return to the stage this summer for an exclusive, one-off European appearance at Country on the Eye.

The performance marks Cheevers’ first time stepping out of retirement since he concluded his international touring career, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of his debut performance in the United Kingdom.

The Texas-based artist, perhaps best known to the wider public for opening for Johnny Cash on his final tour, is returning to the UK specifically to accept the inaugural John Montague Legend Award.

The award is named in honour of the late John Montague, a pivotal figure in the UK Americana scene who was responsible for first introducing Cheevers’ work to British audiences. In a significant tribute to this long-standing professional and personal connection, the award will be presented on the festival main stage by Montague’s daughter.

“John Montague brought Bob into the studio for my very first radio interview in 2008,” said Ben Atkinson, Artistic Director of Country On The Eye. “When we established this award to recognise lifetime contributions to the genre, Bob was the only artist we considered. He represents the grit and narrative soul of Americana. Having John’s daughter present the award completes a circle that began a quarter-century ago.”

Cheevers’ career spans over five decades, during which he has become a fixture of the Austin, Texas music scene and a perennial “Singer/Songwriter of the Year” recipient. His return offers a final opportunity for European audiences to experience the storyteller often cited as a primary link in the “Austin-to-UK” music pipeline.

Festival attendees will have two distinct opportunities to see Cheevers. On Friday evening, there will be an intimate Songwriter Showcase. This acoustic session will feature Cheevers alongside Nashville-based songwriters, focusing on the craft and history behind the compositions. Following that, on Saturday, on the main stage will be the official ceremony for the John Montague Legend Award, followed by a headline appearance.

Country on the Eye is a brand-new festival celebrating the best in original country music, launching in June 2026 at Play Close Park, Melton Mowbray.

Curated by broadcaster Ben Atkinson, the festival brings the authentic sounds of Nashville, Austin and the UK roots scene to the East Midlands. Across two days, enjoy an intimate Songwriters Series, a full day of live performances, acoustic sessions, workshops, and Americana culture in a relaxed riverside setting.

Our debut lineup features UK No.1 country artist Gary Quinn, US duo Karli and James, Austin legend Bob Cheevers, Nashville songwriter Victoria Banks, folk favourite Will Varley, and bluegrass outfit The Often Herd.

Country on the Eye is more than a festival. It’s a celebration of songwriting, storytelling and community. We can’t wait to welcome you by the river.

Join us on 12–13 June 2026.