New country music festival to launch in Melton Mowbray
Country music fans in the Melton Mowbray area are in for a real treat this summer when the town hosts a major new concert.
Country on the Eye makes its debut in June in the Play Close Park as the latest music festival hosted by Melton Mowbray Town Estate.
It follows the successful Melton Pop Festival and Melton SKA Fest, which attracted thousands of music fans to the town, as well as some top bands.
The new country music show, which will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13, is slated to combine the rich heritage of American country music with some of the very best original talent.
Country on the Eye launches with an intimate Songwriters Series on Friday evening, followed by a full day of live performances and festival activities the following day.
Unlike many country events, the festival focuses exclusively on original artists, showcasing the stories and song-writing behind the music.
The 2026 line-up has been curated by local man Ben Atkinson, who is host of the internationally-syndicated Ben’s Country Music Show, which was launched on Melton's very own 103 The Eye back in 2008.
Ben has released two self-penned albums to date, including 2025’s warmly received Country Folk and the deluxe edition Country Folk (At Heart).
The festival will feature a mix of UK and US performers, with headliner Gary Quinn, the UK’s No.1 country artist and BCMA Male Vocalist of the Year, making his festival headline debut.
He is joined by rising US duo Karli and James, who will also be making their UK festival debut, alongside acclaimed folk artist, Will Varley, bluegrass favourites, The Often Herd, Austin-based legend Bob Cheevers, and celebrated Nashville song-writer Victoria Banks.
The festival is designed to be a welcoming, family-friendly celebration.
Alongside the live music, visitors can enjoy an acoustic tent, workshops, Americana-inspired food and drink, line dancing, and festival fun for all ages.
Attendees can camp at the town's Sysonby Acres sites or in local hotels in the town and area.
Go to www.countryontheeye.co.uk to buy tickets and find out more information about the festival.