Key Takeaways
- Festival Dates & Location: Country to Country (C2C) is being held at The O2 arena in London from Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15, 2026.
- Headliners: The festival’s main attractions include Grammy Award-winning Zach Top, ACM Award-winning Keith Urban, and the legendary Brooks & Dunn.
- Expanded Reach: C2C is also taking place simultaneously in Glasgow at the OVO Hydro and for the first time in Manchester at the AO Arena, making it a multi-city UK event.
- BBC Radio 2 Partnership: The festival continues its long-standing partnership with BBC Radio 2 as its official broadcast partner.
- CMA Involvement: The Country Music Association (CMA) is a key partner, sponsoring stages and hosting its CMA Songwriters Series.
- Emerging Talent: Alongside established stars, C2C provides a platform for emerging artists from Nashville, the UK, and Europe.
Summary Lead
Europe’s largest country music festival, Country to Country (C2C), has returned to The O2 arena in London from March 13-15, 2026. This highly anticipated three-day event brings together some of the biggest names in country music, including headliners Zach Top, Keith Urban, and Brooks & Dunn, alongside a diverse lineup of emerging talent. The festival, a cornerstone of the European country music calendar, also extends to Glasgow and Manchester, solidifying London’s position as a major destination for country music enthusiasts.
The Deep Dive
A Country Music Extravaganza at The O2
Country to Country (C2C) has once again descended upon London’s iconic O2 Arena, transforming it into the epicenter of European country music from March 13 to 15, 2026. Widely recognized as Europe’s biggest celebration of the genre, C2C delivers a three-day immersive experience for thousands of fans. This year’s festival boasts a star-studded lineup, with ACM, CMA, and Grammy Award-winning Brooks & Dunn headlining for the first time since 2010, marking their return to the UK after seven years. Keith Urban also returns to the C2C stage, while reigning ACM ‘New Male Artist of the Year’ Zach Top makes his highly anticipated UK debut. The festival is more than just a concert; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has significantly boosted the presence of country music in the UK’s live music scene over the past decade.
Headliners and Stellar Lineup
The 2026 C2C festival is headlined by a formidable trio: Zach Top, Keith Urban, and Brooks & Dunn. They are joined by a robust roster of popular artists such as Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson, and Drake Milligan, alongside a host of rising stars. Among the emerging talents gracing the stages are Bayker Blankenship, Kameron Marlowe, Ashley Cooke, Mackenzie Carpenter, Tyler Braden, and Alana Springsteen. This blend of established superstars and promising newcomers ensures a dynamic and diverse musical experience for all attendees, showcasing the breadth and depth of contemporary country music.
Expanding Horizons: C2C Across the UK
Beyond its London base at The O2, C2C’s reach has expanded, making it a truly national event. In 2026, the festival is simultaneously held in Glasgow at the OVO Hydro and, for the first time, at Manchester’s AO Arena. This multi-city approach allows more fans across the UK to experience the country music extravaganza, transforming the festival into a touring showcase of talent. While London remains a central hub, the expanded presence in other major cities underscores the growing appetite for country music throughout the United Kingdom.
Partnerships and Supporting Initiatives
C2C continues its strong partnership with BBC Radio 2, which serves as the official broadcast partner, bringing the festival’s magic to listeners nationwide. The Country Music Association (CMA) also plays a pivotal role, acting as a key festival partner. CMA’s involvement includes sponsoring the Spotlight Stage, offering fans an up-close experience with rising artists, and presenting its esteemed CMA Songwriters Series. This series, held at Indigo at The O2, features artists sharing the stories behind their music in an intimate setting.
A Decade of Growth and Mainstream Appeal
Since its inception in 2013, C2C has been instrumental in elevating country music’s profile in the UK. What began as a single-arena event has evolved into a multi-day, multi-city festival that attracts tens of thousands of attendees annually. The festival’s success is a testament to the genre’s increasing popularity, which has seen it become the fastest-growing music genre in the UK, according to BBC Radio 2. C2C provides a crucial platform not only for global country music stars but also for emerging talent from Nashville, the UK, and Europe, fostering a vibrant and expanding international country music community.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Who are the headliners for Country to Country 2026?
The headliners for the 2026 Country to Country festival are Zach Top, Keith Urban, and Brooks & Dunn.
When and where is Country to Country 2026 taking place?
Country to Country 2026 is taking place from March 13-15, 2026, at The O2 arena in London, with simultaneous events in Glasgow and Manchester.
What is the CMA Songwriters Series at C2C?
The CMA Songwriters Series is an event held at C2C where artists perform their songs and share the stories behind them in an intimate setting, providing a deeper connection between the artists and the audience.
