Why Country Giants Like Keith Urban Are Sharing the Stage With Zach Top at C2C 2026

country music collaboration spotlight

Europe’s premier country music festival is set to deliver another star-studded lineup as Keith Urban, Zach Top, and legendary duo Brooks & Dunn headline the 2026 Country to Country (C2C) Festival. The three-day event, scheduled for March 13-15, 2026, will simultaneously unfold across three major venues: London’s The O2, Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, and Belfast’s SSE Arena, continuing the festival’s tradition of bringing Nashville’s finest to European audiences.

Since its inception in 2013, C2C has established itself as the largest country music festival in Europe, consistently selling out venues and featuring both established stars and emerging talent. Keith Urban, a returning headliner, exemplifies the festival’s prestige, choosing to perform again due to the event’s strong fan base and cultural significance in the country music world outside North America.

C2C Festival stands as Europe’s country music cornerstone, drawing both legendary acts and tomorrow’s stars to sold-out venues year after year.

Newcomer Zach Top’s UK debut represents a significant career milestone, as he shares billing with industry giants. This programming decision highlights C2C’s dual commitment to celebrating country music legends while providing a platform for rising stars.

Additional main stage performers include Drake Milligan, Russell Dickerson, and Scotty McCreery, creating a diverse lineup that spans different eras and styles within the genre.

The festival’s structure enables fans across the UK and Ireland to experience premium country music without traveling internationally. Each venue offers enhanced experiences including private suites and luxury lounges, with doors opening at 4:15 PM, though organizers note this timing is subject to change.

Beyond the headliners, C2C 2026 features an impressive roster of emerging talent, including festival first-timers Waylon Wyatt and Noeline Hofmann, alongside returning artists like Alana Springsteen, who previously co-hosted the main stage with Bob Harris in 2024.

This mix of established and emerging artists from Nashville, the UK, and Europe broadens the festival’s international appeal while supporting its mission to showcase diverse country music scenes. For participating musicians, the festival offers valuable opportunities to establish multiple revenue streams through merchandise sales, live performance fees, and potential licensing deals. Artists will leverage social media advertising to build anticipation and engagement with fans in the months leading up to the event. The C2C Festival has grown to become the premier destination for country music enthusiasts outside of North America since it was established in 2013. The festival continues its valued partnership with BBC Radio 2 as the official broadcast partner, ensuring wider access to performances for those unable to attend in person.

Earlybird tickets went on sale March 21, 2025, with dedicated platforms for each host city to accommodate the festival’s widespread audience.