State Fayre Festival Announces Major Headliners Kings of Leon, Neil Young, and The Lumineers for Inaugural Chelmsford Event

Chelmsford Gears Up for Inaugural State Fayre Festival Featuring Star-Studded Lineup

Chelmsford’s Hylands Park is set to host a significant new music event next summer with the announcement of the inaugural State Fayre Festival. Scheduled from June 26 to 28, 2026, this ambitious new festival promises to be the UK’s largest music and barbecue festival, drawing inspiration from the vibrant atmosphere of American state fairs and tailgate parties. Organised by Festival Republic and Live Nation, the State Fayre Festival aims to blend contemporary and classic sounds across rock, country, and folk genres, alongside a diverse culinary experience. This new State Fayre Festival is poised to become a highlight of the UK music festivals scene.

A Lineup of Legendary Proportions at the State Fayre Festival

The festival has unveiled a compelling headliner roster for the State Fayre Festival, with rock titans Kings of Leon set to kick off the weekend on Friday night. Known for their multi-platinum albums and global festival appearances, the Grammy and BRIT Award-winning band brings significant star power to the event’s opening of the State Fayre Festival.

Saturday night at the State Fayre Festival will feature the iconic Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts, as part of Neil Young’s Love Earth World Tour. The Chrome Hearts band includes seasoned musicians such as Spooner Oldham, Micah Nelson, Corey McCormick, and Anthony LoGerfo, promising an unforgettable performance from the legendary songwriter at this standout UK music festival.

Closing out the State Fayre Festival on Sunday evening will be the acclaimed folk-rock band The Lumineers. Since their formation in 2005, they have become one of the most successful bands of their generation, known for their energetic live shows and chart-topping hits at UK music festivals.

A Celebration of Americana, Music, and Food at the State Fayre Festival

Beyond the headliners, State Fayre Festival boasts an extensive lineup with a distinct Americana flavour. Attendees can look forward to performances from The Black Crowes, Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton, Counting Crows, KT Tunstall, The Coral, Kingfishr, Dylan Gossett, Sierra Ferrell, Max McNown, and many more. The organisers expressed their excitement to launch a festival that capitalizes on the growing popularity of Americana, rock, and country music in the UK. The State Fayre Festival truly embraces the spirit of Americana music.

The festival’s unique concept extends beyond music, aiming to immerse festival-goers in the authentic experience of an American state fair. This includes a strong emphasis on barbecue, with the UK’s premier BBQ festival, FUME, hosting The FUME Pit. Visitors can expect award-winning pitmasters, live food demonstrations, and a wide array of food vendors, including vegetarian and vegan options. Complementing the food and music will be craft beer, whiskey bars, cocktail bars, boutique camping options, and traditional state fair rides and activities at this exciting Hylands Park event.

Ticket Information and Festival Details for the State Fayre Festival

State Fayre is set to be a significant event for Chelmsford, with an anticipated capacity of around 30,000 people. The festival’s location at Hylands Park has a proven track record for hosting large-scale music events, including the former V Festival and the recent BBC Radio 2 in the Park, making it an ideal venue for the State Fayre Festival.

Tickets for the State Fayre Festival will go on sale soon. A 48-hour PayPal presale begins on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 9 am, followed by a State Fayre presale on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 9 am for registered users. General sale commences on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 9 am via the official festival website, www.statefayre.com, and Ticketmaster. Various ticket options will be available, including weekend camping, weekend non-camping, early entry camping, and single-day passes for the State Fayre Festival. Further details on ticket prices are expected to be released closer to the sale date. This new music festival news marks a significant addition to the UK’s summer event calendar, promising a unique blend of music, food, and culture at the State Fayre Festival.