
PLAY CLOSE PARK, MELTON MOWBRAY
A brand-new festival celebrating country, folk, and roots music. We’re bringing the rich heritage of the US scene and the very best of British talent to the historic Play Close Park in Melton Mowbray, hosted by the historic Melton Mowbray Town Estate.
The festival kicks off on Friday, June 12th, 2026 with our exclusive Songwriters Series, followed by a full day of music and celebration on Saturday 13th June.
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.
Find out more about the festival (link to the about page), including our acoustic tent, festival fun, workshops and americana inspired food and drink. All taking place the beautiful surroundings of Play Close Park, Melton Mowbray and the near 500 year history of the festival organisers, Melton Mowbray Town Estate (MMTE).
Join us as we kick off a brand-new chapter in the UK country music scene. We can’t wait to see you by the river.

Find out all about the artists and acts appearing at Country on the Eye 2026. Our carefully curated line up brings together outstanding US and UK country, folk and roots performers, celebrating the genre’s rich heritage and modern sound.

Melton Mowbray is a historic market town in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside, surrounded by green spaces and filled with parks. Country on the Eye is being held in Play Close Park in town, well within walking distance of plenty of shops, pubs and accommodation and Melton Mowbray train station.

Don't delay! Make sure you get your tickets soon and enjoy a generous discount on the ticket price at the gate. From £30 a ticket for adults and only £12 for under-14s (under 5s go free), this is a festival for everyone to enjoy!






