We’re delighted to announce Country on the Eye, a brand-new country music festival, coming to Play Close Park on 12–13 June 2026.

Hosted by Melton Mowbray Town Estate and set beside the River Eye, the festival brings together world-class original Country, Folk and Roots artists from the UK and US, with live music, songwriting sessions, workshops, food, drink and family-friendly festival fun.

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.

From Nashville-inspired songwriters’ sessions to a full day of live performances, this is the start of an exciting new chapter for Melton Mowbray.

Join us by the river