STATE FAYRE PUTS ITS STAMP ON THE GLOBAL FESTIVAL CALENDAR

Photo Credit: Emily Marcovecchio

Making UK music festival history, the inaugural State Fayre opened its doors this weekend to over 50,000 people across three days, delivering incredible music, legendary performers, entertainment for all ages, mouth-watering BBQ from the very best in the business and a festival experience like no other. State Fayre was born from a love of classic rock, country and folk, a world that is taking over the UK music scene. With the launch of State Fayre, it's now finally celebrated with a festival that represents Americana culture in the UK more than ever before. 

Taking place at the legendary Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex, State Fayre is inspired by American state fairs, long summer nights and tailgate parties. 2026's inaugural edition  captured that and more, combining all the hallmarks of a quintessential British festival with American flavour, establishing itself as a brand-new concept that is set to make an impact on the UK festival scene. 

Friday morning saw prodigious country-soul singer-songwriter Benny G kick things off on the Main Stage, filling the sun-soaked arena with his powerful voice and nimble guitar work. Over in the The Big Top, Scottish folk artist and 2025 AMA nominee Nina Nesbitt brought stunning vocals to an eager crowd. While rooted in the rich traditions of Americana, the festival also reaffirmed its commitment to championing homegrown talent from across the UK and Ireland working within the genre. Fast-rising Irish band Kingfishr brought a surge of energy to the main stage with a rousing afternoon set, Oregon native Max McNown touched down with his immediate songwriting charm  before raw, high-octane performances from The Black Crowes and Stephen Wilson Jr. Friday night headliners Kings of Leon spared no expense, delivering a hit-filled set that drew from their sprawling discography, including 'Use Somebody', 'Revelry', 'Pyro' and 'Back Down South'.

"It feels like coming home," said lead singer Caleb Followill, addressing the adoring Hylands Park audience before the band closed with a euphoric mass singalong to 'Sex on Fire'.

From moshpits to "boshpits", The FUME Pit proved another major draw across the weekend, with "Big John" John Fisher hosting an on-site eating competition for a mighty crowd of food lovers. BBQ fans were treated to a wide range of themed delicacies and culinary spectacles, including the largest live-fire cooking display ever seen in the UK.

Early risers on Saturday morning eased into the day with Vinyasa yoga classes and sound baths at the Wild Feather Wellness Centre, before diving straight into a packed day of live music. The main stage welcomed breakthrough roots music luminary Sierra Ferrell and Mercury Prize nominees The Magic Numbers, who delivered a hit-filled set including their breakout single 'Forever Lost'.

Across the festival's other stages, the programme continued to showcase a broad range of sounds, spanning hotly tipped emerging artists such as Dermot Henry and Muireann Bradley through to more established names including Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton, Jack Savoretti and Razorlight. Skunk Anansie brought their singular blend of alternative rock, punk and raw live power to the festival, offering something entirely different and receiving a huge, rapturous response from the crowd. Beyond the music, hungry festival-goers were entertained with a host of food-led activities, including a Hot Dog Eating Competition hosted by Ollie Eats, a Hot Tomahawk Contest, axe throwing and a live blacksmith experience available across the weekend.

Saturday night headliner Alanis Morissette brought the day to a euphoric close with an epic set spanning her thirty-plus-year career. By the end, Hylands Park was singing along to era-defining hits including 'Ironic', 'You Oughta Know' and 'Hand in My Pocket'.

Those who managed to rise early on the final day of the festival could ease into Sunday with Mindful Flow Yoga and a Poi Spinning Workshop, before heading back into the arena for one last day of music, food and festivities. Line-dancing met drag-racing when Orville Peck brought his delightful blend of queer country-pop to the stage, while Counting Crows' classic songbook soundtracked Hylands Park, with 'Accidentally In Love' and 'Mr Jones' sparking huge singalongs across the crowd. Dylan Gossett commanded the Main Stage with a set that saw the Austin native left speechless by the response to his immediate songwriting prowess, whilst Buffalo Traffic Jam put a stamp on why they sit as one of the most talked-about acts in a new wave of folk and Americana with an overflowing Big Top Stage signalling future headline status. Festival-foodies' stomachs were put to the test for a final time with the Hot Ribs and Wings Contest, hosted by one of the UK's most recognisable food influencers, Eating With Tod.

The Lumineers rounded off the weekend with their singalong blend of folk, Americana and alternative rock, with fans dancing into the night to hits including 'Ho Hey' and 'Ophelia'. With a peerless career that has seen them ascend to arena-filling status, the band made history as they closed the first ever State Fayre in a way only they could.

Reflecting on State Fayre and its inaugural edition, festival organisers Anna-Sophie Mertens and Alex Simmonds said:

"We wanted to create a festival that delivered good music, good food and good times, bringing together artists from both sides of the Atlantic. From start to finish, it has been truly moving to see festival-goers embrace everything State Fayre is about - from iconic headliners with catalogues that have soundtracked so many of our lives, the most exciting artists across a multitude of genres, and phenomenal new voices to the very best in BBQ food brought together with our partners at FUME. What's made it all the more special is the reaction we have received from everyone who came down this weekend. Welcoming, friendly and ready to take in every new experience, we couldn't have asked for anything more. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back when State Fayre opens its doors once more in 2027". 

State Fayre will return in 2027, with dates and further details to be announced in due course.