The Stetson to person ratio was high – incredibly high – as more than five thousand country music fans filled out the Royal Albert Hall for the return of Highways Festival.
For three days, the legendary South Kensington venue hosted performances from some of the biggest country and Americana musicians in the world.
Kicking off proceedings, Ireland’s Dave Lofts, Stockport’s Bec O’Malley and Nashville’s Alyssa Bonagura took turns in reciting stories and songs, as the trio hosted the first ever songwriters round at the ‘Royal Albert Ye-Hall’ (as it was dubbed by compère and Absolute Radio Country host Baylen Leonard).
Jack Van Cleaf’s acoustic trio meant the stage was gradually amassing more instruments, but when Kaitlin Butts’ combination of music, humour, theatre and general Oklahoman positivity started, the spirit of the Grand Ole Opry was truly alive.
Although some remained upset about the cancellation of Texan country traditionalist Randall King, Friday night ended with a Pardi party, as California-born platinum selling singer Jon Pardi brought his hits to Highways. From Heartache Medication to Night Shift, and his latest, top 10, single Boots Off, the crowd was up on its feet for the entirety of the almost-two-hour set.
The following day began with Clover County, who was touring the UK for the first time. If the audience members took anything away from her set, it was reminders of the merchandise stall in the lobby, proving that shipping vinyl records across the Atlantic costs a fortune.
Another question over the weekend was how many tequila shots should you drink? Sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh answered that when they performed as harmony-led duo Tigirlily Gold.
Corey Kent was a new name to most of the audience members, but almost everyone was singing along with his rendition of Oasis’ Champagne Supernova, which sat in between songs from four albums worth of a back catalogue.
After a Eurovision update from stage-host Baylen, bona fide country pop star Carly Pearce took to the stage. In a career spanning set of original songs, there were also covers of Olivia Dean, Dolly Parton, and a tribute to Bob Harris, the much-loved radio host who was unable to make it to the event.
The final day of Highways Festival was the only one officially sold out ahead of the show, but the lineup wasn’t nearly as full. Starting two hours later than the previous days, Jim Lauderdale walked on unannounced in a suit so bright and blue that even those in the standing gallery wouldn’t have missed him.
Speaking to Erazer in April, Jim previously said he could hardly believe he would be playing at the Royal Albert Hall. “I never thought I’d get the opportunity to play there,” he said. “I’m really excited about it.”
Sunday’s vibe was different to the previous days – in fact, there was no sign of Absolute Radio at all – but the auditorium was full to the brim as the legend that is Emmylou Harris took to the stage.
The 79-year-old 14-time Grammy winner was bidding farewell to London with this set, but that didn’t stop her putting on a performance lasting more than two hours.
Acknowledging much of her career was built on covering songs, highlights from the Grand Ole Opry member’s show included The Everly Brothers’ Love Hurts, Nanci Griffith’s Gulf Coast Highway and Steve Earle’s Goodbye, as well as notable originals Red Dirt Girl, Boulder to Birmingham and Born to Run.
Away from the main show, Highways Festival hosted Country For Kids, a family themed event which this year was led by rising UK act First Time Flyers.
In its fourth edition, Highways Festival is only getting bigger, and with country music the fastest growing genre in the UK, I look forward to seeing what comes next. After all, could you ask for a nicer venue to spend the weekend?
