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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Jonathan Kanengoni

Highways country music festival will take over the Royal Albert Hall in 2023

Kip Moore is one of the headline acts announced for the festival

(Picture: Kip Moore / Live Nation)

A brand-new Country and Americana music festival will be coming to London in a special showcase for UK fans.

Highways festival will be taking over the Royal Albert Hall, with a host of artists bringing sounds of the deep South to the iconic venue on May 20 next year.

The festival has already confirmed performances from acclaimed artists including multiplatinum selling artist Kip Moore, who has already clocked twelve entries on the Billboard Country Charts – including No. 1 track Somethin ‘Bout A Truck, as well as four additional top 10’s.

Other acts on the line up include Morgan Wade, who has already established herself as one of the country music artists to watch, with her critically acclaimed 2021 debut album Reckless landing on multiple best album and song lists of the year, making her an exciting addition to the line-up.

Singer-songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr has a degree in Microbiology, taught himself guitar and formed his own indie rock band before going solo. Since then, his support has continued to grow, signing a publishing deal with BMG Nashville in 2016. Having had his music cut by the likes of country legend Tim McGraw, his addition to the roster is also warmly welcomed.

The Royal Albert Hall is a fitting venue for an event of this size, having played host to a range of world-renowned figures – from Mohammed Ali to Adele and everything in between.

Highways have stated they aim to take over every corner of the building, hosting performances in the auditorium and carefully curated showcases speckled across adjoining rooms.

Live Nation’s Vice President Touring, Anna Sophie-Mertens, says “I am thrilled to bring to life this incredible festival alongside our partners at the Royal Albert Hall.

“It is every artist’s dream to play this legendary venue; and delivering such an unforgettable occasion for the Country and Americana community has been a longstanding dream of mine.”

Highways festival releases their poster line up (Live Nation)

Matthew Todd, Head of Programming and Engagement at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “We’re delighted to be building a completely new Country and Americana event with our long-standing partners at Live Nation.

“Our 152-year-old auditorium will provide a backdrop unlike anywhere else for some brilliant acts, and we’re particularly pleased to be able to build on the long-running history of country music at the Hall in this way – as these genres continue to grow from strength to strength in the UK.”

The festival will also be hosted by Absolute Radio Country, the UK’s most exciting country radio station.

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