State Fayre Launches with Massive Line-Up Led by Kings of Leon, Neil Young and The Lumineers
A bold new chapter in UK music festivals begins with the launch of State Fayre, a three-day camping celebration of rock, Americana, and barbecue culture, taking place 26–28 June 2026 at Hylands Park, Chelmsford. Headlined by Kings of Leon, Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts, and The Lumineers, State Fayre promises a full-bodied blend of legendary acts, rising stars, and award-winning food experiences.
Positioned as the UK’s largest music and BBQ festival, State Fayre is set to welcome 30,000 fans for a weekend of big open skies, live music across three stages, and flavours straight out of the American South.
An All-Star Line-Up for the First Edition
Headliners Kings of Leon kick off the weekend with their signature arena-ready anthems. Following a two-decade career studded with multi-platinum releases and global headline sets—from Glastonbury to Coachella—the Tennessee rock giants return to UK soil for a landmark Friday night performance.
On Saturday, Neil Young brings the next leg of his Love Earth World Tour to Chelmsford, joined by The Chrome Hearts, featuring Micah Nelson, Spooner Oldham, Corey McCormick and Anthony LoGerfo. The icon’s enduring blend of protest poetry and folk grit meets modern chemistry in what’s sure to be a historic UK festival moment.
Sunday night belongs to The Lumineers, fresh from their chart-topping fifth album AUTOMATIC and a year of sold-out shows worldwide. Expect handclaps, heartache, and crowd sing-alongs under the Essex sky.
Also Performing Across the Weekend:
- The Black Crowes
- Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton
- Counting Crows
- KT Tunstall
- Sierra Ferrell
- Kingfishr
- Dylan Gossett
- Nina Nesbitt
- The Coral
And a deep bench of talent, including: Amble, Avery Anna, Bec O’Malley, Buffalo Traffic Jam, Caroline Grace, DUG, Kip Moore, Max McNown, Muireann Bradley, and more.
The Fume Pit & Festival Features
At the heart of State Fayre is its culinary soul: The FUME Pit, hosted by acclaimed BBQ collective FUME, co-founded by social media sensation EatingWithTod. Expect live-fire cooking demos, pitmasters from across the globe, massive BBQ rigs, and food that rivals the music in intensity.
Other attractions include:
- Vegetarian and vegan food traders
- Craft beer and cocktail bars
- Whiskey tastings and non-alcoholic options
- Boutique camping experiences
- Festival rides and traditional state fair amusements
Tickets
General sale opens at 9AM Friday 28 November via www.statefayre.com. With huge demand expected for the inaugural edition, fans are advised to act fast.
