Fit The Bill, promoter of TBCMF has announced that The Wandering Hearts will join this year’s line-up. They will launch the Saturday night main stage on 3rd September, supporting Lucy Spraggan and Tom Odell.
Fit The Bill Director Martin Blore said: “The Wandering Hearts are one of the leading lights of the British country and Americana scene. We’re delighted that they’re taking their rightful place at the UK’s leading festival for promoting British singer-songwriters in these genres.”
He added: “TBCMF provides amazing networking opportunities for all the artists, regardless of billing. Our first two years resulted in song-writing collaborations and artist support slots for many of the singer-songwriters performing on all our stages. That’s what this festival is all about. Providing a springboard for new talent and promoting the best of British proving they’re entitled to the headline spots both in this country and across the pond.”
Consecutive Number Ones
The Wandering Hearts achieved their second consecutive number one on the UK’s official country and Americana charts. Following the success of ‘Wild Silence” in 2018, they attracted critical acclaim for a self-titled album in 2021, including support from Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2. The album cements the trio’s reputation as one of the leading lights in the British country, folk and Americana scenes. The success continued at the UK Americana Awards 2022 with a nomination for UK Album of the Year, alongside Yola and The Staves.
The Deluxe Edition of their album was launched last May and includes their new single Instead of You. Their renowned three-part harmonies are completely on point, with Chess Whiffin and Tara Wilcox’s sumptuous voices weaving elegantly around AJ Dean-Revington’s supporting baritone. The song was recorded in Connecticut with the Grammy Award-winning producer Peter Katis (The National).
The Wandering Hearts commented: “This will be our first visit to Blackpool and we are thrilled to be performing at The British Country Music Festival in September. With the launch of the album, we have amazing new music to share and we’re looking forward to playing the iconic Empress Ballroom, meeting fellow artists and seeing fans on the dance floor!”
Day Tickets Launched
TBCMF day tickets are now available. The three-day event sees award-winning songwriter and Ed Sheeran collaborator Amy Wadge headlining the Friday night. She will be supported by The Tumbling Paddies, Noble Jacks and Harleymoon Kemp. The Wandering Hearts, Lucy Spraggan and Tom Odell perform on Saturday night. On Sunday, Laura Oaks songwriters’ carousel, Robert J Hunter Band, and The Sunbirds take to the stage, supporting Canadian Jess Moskaluke and ex Christians songwriter Henry Priestman.
The British Country Music Festival, now in its third year, takes place at the indoor Winter Gardens entertainment complex in the nation’s favourite seaside resort. The event hosts four stages with over 100 artists throughout the weekend. All performances take place in one purpose-built venue in the town centre, enabling everyone to enjoy live music without worrying about the weather, whilst enjoying a good night’s sleep in local accommodation or camper vans.
The spectacular Empress Ballroom is steeped in heritage and hosts the headline stage. Complete with candles, a gilt ceiling, elaborate balconies and a sprung dance floor, the promoters rightly claim they have the country’s most beautiful festival venue.
