Gig News: State Fayre 2026 Lineup

22 November 2025 rocknews

Hylands Park Rocks Again: A Deep Dive into the Full State Fayre 2026 Lineup

State Fayre 2026 Lineup – The echoes of festivals past are set to return to Chelmsford, but this time, they are bringing a distinct shade of Americana, folk, and Southern rock. Hylands Park, the legendary spiritual home of the V Festival, has been confirmed as the site for a brand-new major music event: State Fayre.

Organised by the heavyweights at Festival Republic and Live Nation, this camping festival is debuting from Friday 26 – Sunday 28 June 2026. While the location is familiar to UK rock fans, the vibe is entirely new—a fusion of a classic American state fair, high-end BBQ culture, and a bill of artists that is turning heads.

Fans have been clamouring for the complete picture, and the promoters have now released the comprehensive list of artists. Below, we break down the dates, the tickets, and the spectacular day-by-day State Fayre 2026 Lineup.

The Full Day-by-Day Breakdown

The organisers promised a global roster, and they have delivered a bill that bridges the gap between stadium rock anthems, folk storytelling, and grimy, legendary rock ‘n’ roll. Here is the confirmed list of who is playing and when.

Friday, 26 June

The festival kicks off with a heavy dose of rock royalty and indie-folk rising stars.

• Headliner: Kings of Leon – The Nashville brothers return to the UK to deliver stadium-sized anthems like “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody”.

• The Black Crowes – The Robinson brothers bringing their swaggering, blues-rock grit.

• Kingfishr – The Irish indie-folk trio known for their cinematic sound.

• Max McNown – Bringing a blend of viral country hits and raw storytelling.

• Nina Nesbitt – Scottish singer-songwriter with pop and folk sensibilities.

• Bec O’Malley

• DUG

Saturday, 27 June

Saturday leans into heritage rock and authentic Americana, featuring one of the most significant bookings of the UK festival summer.

• Headliner: Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts – A rare and massive appearance from the “Godfather of Grunge” as part of his Love Earth World Tour.

• Elvis Costello & The Imposters (feat. Charlie Sexton) – The new wave icon brings his sharp lyrical genius to the park.

• Kip Moore – A powerhouse of modern country rock.

• Sierra Ferrell – The dazzling eclectic artist mixing country, gypsy jazz, and calypso.

• Muireann Bradley – A young blues and ragtime guitar prodigy.

• Caroline Grace

Sunday, 28 June

The final day offers a perfect “Sunday vibe” of stomp-and-clap anthems, nostalgia, and premier songwriting.

• Headliner: The Lumineers – Closing the weekend with their infectious, foot-stomping folk-rock hits like “Ho Hey”.

• Counting Crows – Adam Duritz and crew delivering emotive classics like “Mr. Jones”.

• Amble – A rising contemporary folk three-piece from Ireland.

• Dylan Gossett – The Texas crooner bringing gravelly, authentic country.

• The Coral – Mersey legends adding a touch of British psychedelia and folk-rock.

• KT Tunstall – The Scottish loop-pedal wizard and BRIT Award winner.

• Avery Anna

• Buffalo Traffic Jam

State Fayre 2026 Lineup – More Than Just Music: BBQ and Bluegrass Vibes

What sets State Fayre apart from the typical UK festival circuit is the thematic immersion. The organisers aren’t just putting a stage in a field; they are recreating the atmosphere of an American State Fair.

While the State Fayre 2026 Lineup will draw the crowds, the “FUME Pit” will keep them fed. Billed as the UK’s premier BBQ festival within a music festival, FUME will host award-winning pitmasters and vendors from across the UK and beyond. Imagine slow-cooked brisket, ribs, and soul food accompanied by whiskey bars, craft beers, and cocktail lounges.

The site will also feature vintage fairground rides and family-friendly activities, creating a “boutique” feel despite the 30,000 capacity. This mixture of high-end food culture and rock music suggests a target audience that appreciates creature comforts as much as guitar solos. There are even glamping options like “Asher’s Acres”, described as the festival’s most luxurious retreat.

A Return to Glory for Hylands Park – State Fayre 2026 Lineup

For two decades, Hylands Park was synonymous with the V Festival, one of the jewels in the UK festival crown. After V ended in 2017, the site hosted Creamfields South, but State Fayre feels like a spiritual successor to the park’s rock heritage.

Councillor Natacha Dudley of Chelmsford City Council noted that after the success of BBC Radio 2 in the Park, residents have been asking for a permanent fixture. “Festival Republic brings a very different vibe to Hylands with their brand-new Americana style State Fayre,” she stated, emphasising that the State Fayre 2026 Lineup is expected to make this event an instant classic in the annual calendar.

State Fayre 2026 Lineup – How to Get Tickets

With a capacity of around 30,000, State Fayre is large enough to attract big names but intimate enough to avoid the sprawling chaos of larger festivals like Glastonbury or Download. However, given the star power involved—particularly the rare Neil Young booking—tickets are expected to move quickly.

If you want to catch the State Fayre 2026 Lineup in person, here are the essentials:

• General Sale: Friday, 28 November at 9:00 AM.

• Where to Buy: www.statefayre.com

• Camping: Boutique and standard camping options are available.

The launch of State Fayre marks a bold new chapter for Chelmsford. By leaning into the popular Americana trend and securing legends like Neil Young and Kings of Leon, Festival Republic has created a unique proposition. Whether you are there for the ribs, the rides, or the riffs, the State Fayre 2026 Lineup looks set to be the talking point of the summer.