Saturday 14 & Sunday 15. March 2026
The O2, London
What a weekend! Country to Country 2026 did not disappoint. I got to see some of my favourite country singers, and was introduced to some new ones too.
Going this year felt like an achievement. I didn’t go last year, not feeling mentally well enough to go and struggling with becoming almost agoraphobic, so I was really pleased to have gone this year and really enjoyed myself.
I wasn’t alone this year either. A childhood friend, Ellie, was there too, so we met up on Saturday before the main arena events started. That was really special, for years I have wanted to go to C2C with friends. The original plan last year was that I would go with a small group of work friends, but that was not to be.
This year’s artists on Saturday included Alana Springsteen, Tyler Braden, Russell Dickerson and Keith Urban. As is always the way at C2C, the atmosphere in the arena builds as the evening goes on. Earlier artists do not always have the biggest crowds, as audiences are often spread across multiple stages and venues around the O2. But by the time Russell Dickerson came on shortly after 8pm, the arena was really filling up.
Dickerson and Urban were the highlights of the day. Both delivered a masterclass in stage presence. Keith Urban, in particular, is one of my favourites. He really knows how to entertain a crowd and put on a show. Russell Dickerson has a couple of great songs too, though I am less familiar with his wider catalogue.
For Saturday, I was down on Level 1 rather than up at Level 4 where I normally sit. It felt quite different. There was more space to move around when leaving the arena, and some of the bars have seating areas, which Level 4 does not really offer.
I stayed in an Airbnb in Brockley, only about a 10 minute drive from my cousin Charlotte’s house, so I was up early on Sunday for a quick catch up over a drink. That was lovely. I always enjoy seeing extended family whenever I am travelling.
My original plan for Sunday was to spend some time watching the smaller free stages before heading home mid afternoon, but Ellie messaged offering me a spare ticket for the arena. Of course I said yes – and what a night it turned out to be.
Before the headliners, I saw Mackenzie Carpenter, Ashley Cooke, Kameron Marlowe and Drake Milligan. I also spent time at the BBC Radio 2 Stage, where I saw Jade Bird and Mae Estes. The Roundup Stage was another highlight, where I saw Katie Rigby.
One of the things I really enjoy about C2C is discovering new artists. Katie Rigby and Julia Cole were two that really stood out to me this year. Both are independent artists, without major record label backing, which makes their success even more impressive. To be performing at a major festival like C2C on their own terms is a real achievement. Take notice of them!
Ashley Cooke was an early highlight of Sunday’s live music. Her country pop set was engaging, entertaining, and full of songs you cannot help but tap your foot to.
But the main event, by a mile, was Brooks and Dunn. Not just the highlight of Sunday, but of the entire weekend.
Their style of country is exactly my kind of music. Proper 1990s classic singalong country, with influences from 60s and 70s rock, alongside soul, blues, and those unmistakable rock and roll guitar riffs.
When the unmistakable intro of ‘Boot Scootin’ Boogie’ kicked in, the entire arena seemed to start line dancing. Thousands of fans moved in unison, turning The O2 into what may well have been the largest line dance Europe has ever seen…It felt less like a festival headline set and more like a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that those there knew will probably never be repeated.
Live Review: Brooks & Dunn – C2C Festival, London – Iconic and Inimitable
James Daykin – Entertainment Focus
So thank you Ellie for the spare Sunday ticket. That really made the weekend.
I was exhausted by the time I got home to Cirencester at 2am on Monday morning, but it was absolutely worth it.
C2C 2027….The countdown is on. I’ll be there for sure.
FH.
