Country music a big hit in UK

The number of people in the UK listening to country music has soared. According to data released by Spotify, there's been a 238 percent rise in interest since 2020.

Under these circumstances, it's perhaps not surprising that over 45,000 people attended this year's Country to Country (C2C) festival.

Noah Rinker: "London, how're we feeling this afternoon?"

Held concurrently in London, Belfast and Glasgow, it's considered the largest country festival in Europe.

Director of the UK Country Music Association, John Finch reflects on country music's meteoric rise.

John Finch: "In the last 12 months, the consumption of country music in the UK has grown by just under 11 percent, which is massive. It's the fastest growing music genre in the UK, and the UK has the fastest growth of anywhere in the world."

Part of the reason for the scale of its growth is the genre's appeal across the generations. The wide range of subject matter songs cover is another, say William and Cameron from Newcastle.

William Martin: "One minute, it's singing about a truck and a beer. One minute, it's singing about a girl that you fell out of love with. A different song for every occasion."

Cameron Fulton: "Country kind of covers all the genres, sometimes. You've got the sad songs - heartbreak songs - and then party in the summer."

Originating in the US, country music's sound and storytelling is traditionally associated with Nashville. Nevertheless, its ethos is being taken up by pop and rap stars, who've brought the genre to a more diverse audience.

Georgia Ku: "Hello everyone! How's everyone doing?"

British country singer Georgia Ku believes that social media's also had a role to play.

"Honestly, it's probably TikTok. I think the way someone can put a chorus on there, and thousands and thousands of people can hear 30 seconds of a song and know every word and want to be invested in it."

The British Phonographic Industry's annual analysis of UK music consumption states that 2025 marked a 100-year record for the genre. In addition, country has been claiming its biggest share of both singles and albums markets this century. Indications are that next year's C2C festival could be even bigger. View Less