COUNTRY CALLING 2024
Wild Promotions presents Country Calling – a boutique music festival celebrating the finest in Americana and Country music on August 17th, 2024. For the first time ever, the Old Essex Barn will be transformed into an outdoor haven of all things Country. Experience top-notch live performances on the main stage, along with line dancing and country music DJs. With limited capacity, Country Calling ensures an intimate and unforgettable experience for all guests. Secure your tickets today and be part of this extraordinary event!
LINE UP
HEADLINER
Kezia Gill
After a decade of honing her craft, Kezia debuted on the UK Country scene in 2018 with her album "Kezia," which won multiple awards. Her career trajectory has been impressive, with a 2019 tour in Australia, performances at Nashville's iconic venues, and recognition as Radio 2's BBC Introducing Artist. In 2021, her EP "The Mess I Made" hit number one on iTunes and by 2022 she was hitting the road to support major acts such as The Shires and nearly sold out her own first headline tour. Kezia’s biggest hit to date 'Whiskey Over Ice' knocked Shania Twain from the top spot of the iTunes Country Music chart in January 2023. Later that year, she opened for Bruce Springsteen at Hyde Park in London and released her acclaimed album 'Misfit'. The accompanying tour became the hottest ticket, with most dates selling out fast. Kezia went on to win Best Female, Best Album, and Entertainer of the Year at the British CMA's which rounded off her most successful year to date. She is fresh off her debut CMA Fest performance in Nashville in June 2024, a career milestone that only a handful of British Country Artists have achieved. Kezia's unique blend of country, rock, and blues captivates audiences worldwide. With continuous support from major radio such as BBC Radio 2, and with more new music in the works, Kezia Gill is undeniably an artist to watch!
Morganway
Striking six-part harmonies, energetic rhythms, catchy songs, and a formidable live act – Morganway have made quite the impression on the UK’s rising Americana scene. Voted BCMA’s ‘Group of The Year’ for the second year running, 2023 was a big year for Morganway. They released their second album ‘Back To Zero’ in May to widespread acclaim. Americana UK named them a “band to watch”, and the album reached the official Americana Charts Top 20 for two weeks running. This was followed by a festival season that included a crowd of 20,000 at Cropredy, and a successful national headline tour with multiple sell-out dates. To close out 2023, they supported Elles Bailey in Germany and released their first live album, with opening track ‘Devil’s Canyon’ receiving airplay on Planet Rock Radio. With a packed summer ahead with festivals and new music dropping regularly, 2024 is shaping up to be their best year yet.
Morgan Wallen tribute UK
Introducing the electrifying: "Morgan Wallen Tribute UK: The UK's First Tribute to Country Mega Star Morgan Wallen." Get ready to experience the sights and sounds of Morgan Wallen like never before, as Morgan Wallen Tribute UK with full live band, comprised of some of the UK's finest musicians, take you on a musical journey through the hits of this world record-breaking artist. Morgan Wallen's meteoric rise to fame has made him a Music megastar, captivating audiences around the globe with his heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies. Now, with Morgan Wallen Tribute UK, fans have the chance to immerse themselves in the magic of Wallen's music, brought to life with passion and precision. Morgan Wallen Tribute Uk pays homage to every aspect of Wallen's iconic repertoire, delivering a performance that is as authentic as it is exhilarating. Featuring his Biggest hits, Whiskey Glasses, Last Night, You Proof, Wasted On You, Up Down plus many more. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to Wallen's music, this tribute promises an unforgettable evening filled with the energy and excitement of a live concert experience. Don't miss your chance to witness the phenomenon of Wallen's music recreated on stage by the outstanding Morgan Wallen Tribute UK. Get ready to sing along, dance, and celebrate the legacy of one of country music's brightest stars in this sensational tribute show.
True Foxes
True Foxes, an acclaimed folk/americana family duo, are quickly gaining popularity in the South West and beyond. Amie, with her soulful vocals and earworm song writing, has been compared to artists such as Brandi Carlile, Karen Carpenter, and Dolly Parton, accompanied by guitar, ukulele, banjo, and piano. Chloë complements Amie's vocals with ethereal harmonies and melodic bass lines. The duo's sisterly banter adds an emotional dimension to their performances. If you're a fan of First Aid Kit and The Secret Sisters but with a touch of British influence, you'll definitely enjoy True Foxes. Referred to as the "Hardest working female duo in the South West" by BBC Introducing, the self-managed True Foxes performed an impressive 140 shows in 2022 and more than doubled that in 2023 with 250 shows. 2024 is already poised to be a busy year for the girls after releasing their highly anticipated debut album 'Howl' in March, and completing a sold out headline UK Tour.
Luke Flear
Luke Flear is a multi award winning UK Country Rock Artist, Singer-Songwriter and Multi Instrumentalist. From rich, raspy vocals and roaring guitar solos to acoustic deep cuts and piano ballads, Luke incorporates the bounce of Pop-Rock, the grit of the Blues and the soul of Americana into a Classic Country soundscape. Born in Leeds, England, Luke has consistently performed across Europe since the age of 15, and made his move into the Country Music Scene during the summer of 2022. Since then, he has supported Nashville and UK based Artists, took to the stages of major British Festivals and venues, as well songwriter rounds and other Americana events across 2023. Through the songwriting, instrumental virtuosity and natural love for the stage, Flear is among many others bound to change the UK's relationship with the genre. Every instrument you hear on record is played and produced by Luke, with the debut album exploring countless themes of ambition, addiction, love and hate in true singer-songwriter style. Winning “Song” and “Male Singer of the year” at the 2023 UK Country Radio awards as the years top finalist, Luke Flear is next to take on the challenge of conquering Country music in Britain and further.
Shellyann
Shellyann, a dynamic singer-songwriter from South Wales, UK, is celebrated for her powerful vocals and compelling songwriting. Her authentic sound and heartfelt performances captivate audiences, earning her recognition on the BBC's All Together Now. Winning the show, with high praise from head judge Geri Halliwell, catapulted her into the spotlight. Beyond television, Shellyann has made significant strides as a songwriter, co-writing for numerous artists and earning acclaim for her versatile skills. Notably, her demos have been recorded by Welsh legend Bonnie Tyler, underscoring her respect in the music community. Currently, Shellyann is writing and recording new material, showcasing her commitment to creating authentic and evocative songs, with the first of these to be released in the autumn. As she continues to shape her career, she aims to bring her unique sound to a broader audience, poised to become a significant figure in the Country and Americana scene both in the UK and beyond.
From The Wild
From the Wild featuring Sarah Louise & Will Underwood. Sarah Louise is an international singer, songwriter and performer who has always worn her heart on her sleeve and has discovered that her vulnerable lyrics and emotional effortless vocal is the most powerful way to connect with her audience, leaving them Thrilled to have had 5 #1 hits in the iTunes Charts with My Beating Heart, Rosa Parks Blvd, She Lost Her Way – Live From Nashville , Just For You, I Ain’t Got The Time and 3 #2 singles with her songs My Grandparents and Me her cover of I Wanna Dance With Somebody and The Smile with Ian Rae in the Jazz charts. Trips to Nashville and Knoydart Scotland in last year have inspired her so much that Sarah Louise has been on a whole new path working on her 5th originals album “Change Of Plan” released March 2024 alongside her iTunes #1 EP The Now.
Tom Hodge
Tom Hodge is a passionate country and blues singer-songwriter currently based in the UK. With a distinctive voice characterised by husky, raw vocals, Tom brings a unique and soulful sound to his music, pairing it perfectly with the heartfelt strumming of his acoustic guitar. His songs are rich with emotion and storytelling, drawing listeners into a world where every melody resonates with authenticity and depth. Growing up surrounded by diverse musical influences, Tom developed a love for the raw, unpolished sounds of country and blues. This passion shines through in his performances, where his powerful voice and compelling lyrics create an unforgettable experience for his audience. Whether you're a long-time fan or a new listener, Tom Hodge's music promises to captivate and inspire, making you feel every note and word. Dive into his world of music and let the journey begin.
Alex Francis
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Alex Francis is set to release a brand new ep on Stanley Park Records. Entitled “Introducing Alex Francis,” the four-song collection features two covers alongside two new original compositions. With his raw, soulful vocal Alex offers a stunning stripped back take on Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love,” alongside an elegant re-imagination of the Bob Dylan classic “Girl From The North Country.” The two new original songs see Alex hitting new heights as a songwriter and have quickly become cornerstones of his live set. “We Beat As One” fuses atmospheric nostalgia with a driving modern pulse, while“Still” is a beautiful, brutally honest and emotionally charged duet with up and coming singer Hope Winter. “Introducing Alex Francis” is a product of Alex’s collaboration with Grammy Award-winning production team of Mark Taylor and Patrick Mascall. Alex has toured with an array of internationally acclaimed artists including Sting, Alanis Morissette and Stereophonics. With over 30 million Spotify streams, his music has struck a chord with listeners globally, reflecting his rapidly expanding fan base. Showcasing his undeniable vocal talent, “Introducing Alex Francis” is set to ensure that trajectory continues in 2024.
Line Dancing with Charles Richman
Put on your boots and get ready to tap those toes because we're in for a fantastic time with group line dancing, led by none other than the renowned Charles Richman! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, Charles' energetic and fun-filled sessions are perfect for everyone. So come on down and join us for an unforgettable evening of rhythm, music, and community!
PLUS MANY MORE ACTIVITIES
The Venue
Country Calling 2024 is located in the grounds of The Old Essex Barn, Cranes Lane, Kelvedon, CO5 9AX.
The venue is conveniently located between Witham and Colchester and just off of the A12.
The nearest stations are:
Kelvedon – 1.4 miles away
Witham – 3 miles away.
Colchester – 11 miles away.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is no parking at the event. There is a designated drop area outside the venue for taxis and vehicles to drop and collect from. We will be providing a free bus shuttle services from Kelvedon Station car park to the venue and back on a first come first serve basis. For guests who wish to drive, we advise that the nearest paid for parking is available at Kelvedon Station (approximately 1.2 miles away). Guests can then use our regular shuttle service which will be running from 2pm until 6pm to take guests to the venue and then will resume again from 10pm onwards to shuttle guests back to Kelvedon Station Car Park.
Doors open at 2pm and the first performance will begin around 3:30pm. The headline act is scheduled for 9pm. Act timings are subject to change.
The headline act is due to finish at approximately 10:30pm and the event closes at 11pm. All guests must depart the event once it closes. Act timings are subject to change.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to pre-book?
Yes, tickets are limited so must be pre-booked to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
How will my tickets arrive?
As soon as you’ve completed the purchase of your tickets you will be shown your order number (please make a note of this) as well as a link to download your tickets immediately. You can also use your order number and email address to access your tickets via the “My Tickets” section of our website.
Where is the event?
The event is located at the OLD ESSEX BARN, CRANES LANE, KELVEDON, ESSEX, CO5 9AX
What time can I arrive?
Doors open at 2pm and the first performance will begin around 3:30pm. The headline act is scheduled for 9pm. Act timings are subject to change.
What time does the event end?
The headline act is due to finish at approximately 10:15pm and the event closes at 11pm. All guests must depart the event once it closes. Act timings are subject to change.
Can children attend?
Country calling is for adults aged 18 and over. Proof of age will be requested.
Who needs a ticket?
All attendees of the event are required to purchase a ticket.
Can my tickets be changed or cancelled?
Tickets cannot be changed or amended once booked.
I can no longer attend; can I get a refund?
Tickets for the event are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.
Will the event be cancelled if there is bad weather?
This is an outdoor music event and will continue in all-weather conditions unless it presents a safety concern as assessed by our team. Unfortunately, if you choose not to attend due to weather, your tickets cannot be refunded. If the organisers of the event choose to cancel the event over a safety concern, customers will be notified by email with their options.
Is there parking available?
There is NO parking available for the event. There is a small drop off area at the entrance where you can be dropped off and collected from. The nearest public parking is located at Kelvedon train station which is approximately 1.5 miles from the event.
We will be providing a free bus shuttle services from Kelvedon Station car park to the venue and back on a first come first serve basis. For guests who wish to drive, we advise that the nearest paid for parking is available at Kelvedon Station (approximately 1.2 miles away). Guests can then use our regular shuttle service which will be running from 2pm until 6pm to take guests to the venue and then will resume again from 10pm onwards to shuttle guests back to Kelvedon Station Car Park.
Where is the nearest parking?
The nearest parking is located by Kelvedon railway station which is approximately 1.5 miles from the event.
We will be providing a free bus shuttle services from Kelvedon Station car park to the venue and back on a first come first serve basis. For guests who wish to drive, we advise that the nearest paid for parking is available at Kelvedon Station (approximately 1.2 miles away). Guests can then use our regular shuttle service which will be running from 2pm until 6pm to take guests to the venue and then will resume again from 10pm onwards to shuttle guests back to Kelvedon Station Car Park.
What are the nearest railway stations to the event?
Kelvedon Station – approximately 1.5m miles from the event.
Witham Station – approximately 1.5 miles from the event.
Can you recommend a local taxi company?
Here you will find a list of local taxi companies, we advise booking your journey in advance:
Crusader Cabs Witham – 07368304464
Witham Cabs 24/7 – 01376429777
Terry’s Cars – 07710778121
Are dogs allowed into the event?
Dogs are NOT permitted into the event.
Will there be strobe or flashing lights?
There are no strobe lights at the event but there are lots of stage lighting effects which will be flashing and pulsating at times.
Do I need to print my tickets?
You will need to show your ticket and QR code upon arrival which can be done by either displaying this on your mobile device or printing them in advance. If using your mobile device, please ensure you download your tickets onto your device before arrival.
Will the line-up change?
The acts advertised are booked for the event. If there are unforeseen circumstances, the promoter reserves the right to amend the line up as required.
Can I bring my own food and drink
Only food and drinks purchased at the event can be consumed onsite.