The International Festival of Country Music introduced country music to the British public almost 45 years ago.
The shows, promoted by the legendary Mervyn Conn, ran for 23 years from 1969 to 1991 at Wembley Arena. Hugely popular, the shows always featured the biggest stars of Country music fans were treated to outstanding performances by artists including; Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, Jerry Lee Lewis, Don Williams, Merle Haggard, Marty Robbins, Crystal Gayle and many more.
Now after a gap of 20 years the Festival is back at the Wembley Arena.
International Festival of Country Music founder Mervyn Conn said: “I’m bringing the International Festival of Country Music back after over twenty years due to popular demand. The regard for Country Music has grown significantly in the UK since the first year I promoted this event and I believe that now is the time to reintroduce this once hugely popular event to converted fans of country music and to a new and emerging group of country music lovers”.
Although pilgrims of country music travelled the length and breadth of Britain to attend what became the mecca for country fans over the Easter weekend for the three day festival,this first comeback event will take place for one day only on Sunday February 26th due to the Easter weekend having already been booked.
Headline acts appearing include Ricky Skaggs, Lonestar who will be joined by their original frontman Richie McDonald, Asleep At The Wheel who now replace Little Big Town, and country music’s biggest selling female artist Reba McEntire.
Reba McEntire comments; “My band, crew and I are really looking forward to going back to Europe to play our music. The last time we performed there was in 1999! We have been very busy for the last 10 years doing the REBA TV show and concerts in North America. Now, we are so excited to be able to travel abroad and do both our new and old songs for our European audience, who has always been so good to us”.
Other acts appearing include Raymond Froggatt, Jo-El Sonnier, Narvel Felts, John McNicholl, Will Bannister, George Ducas, Sandy Kelly and George Hamilton IV, Tim McKay and America’s latest sixteen year old singing sensation, newcomer Ali Isabella.
The show will be compered by David Allan and Steve Cherelle.
Tickets are available from the ticket hotline by calling 0844 815 0815