The legendary Grand Ole Opry will make broadcasting history next year when the BBC airs its first-ever international live concert from London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall on September 26, 2025. This landmark event celebrates the 100th anniversary of America’s longest-running radio broadcast, marking the first time in a century that the Opry has ventured beyond Nashville or U.S. soil for a live broadcast.
Country music’s iconic Grand Ole Opry makes history with its first international broadcast from London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2025.
BBC Two and BBC Radio 2 have secured exclusive UK broadcasting rights for the historic performance. While the concert will air live on September 26 through WSM Radio for American audiences, UK listeners can tune in to a dedicated radio broadcast on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds on October 2, 2025, at 7 pm BST.
Television highlights will follow later that month on BBC Two, with digital content remaining available for 30 days through BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer.
The star-studded lineup features prominent Opry members including Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker, and Marty Stuart, each performing two to four songs in the traditional Opry format. The broadcast offers fans an opportunity to experience a front-row experience without leaving their homes.
In a nod to cultural exchange, UK artists Mumford & Sons and Breabach will join as special guests, with additional British performers to be announced later in 2025.
Co-hosting duties will be shared by BBC Radio 2’s Vernon Kay and Grand Ole Opry host Kelly Sutton, bridging the geographic and cultural gap between Nashville and London. Their partnership symbolizes the collaborative spirit of this transatlantic musical celebration.
Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime event went on sale on May 23, 2025, offering country music enthusiasts the opportunity to witness what organizers describe as a “full-circle moment” connecting American country roots with London’s vibrant music scene.
The concert represents more than just entertainment; it signifies country music’s growing global footprint, particularly in the UK market where the genre has seen significant growth in recent years. For participating artists, this international broadcast also presents valuable sync licensing opportunities as their performances reach new audiences across multiple media platforms.
Through this carefully crafted blend of traditional and contemporary country performances, the Opry continues its century-long legacy while embracing new international audiences. To maximize engagement, artists will be leveraging social media platforms for promotional content before and during the historic broadcast. The production team includes industry veterans with executive producers Guy Freeman and Steve Buchanan collaborating to ensure the broadcast captures the authentic spirit of the iconic Nashville show.
