Move over muddy fields – country music is getting a castle.
Two-day country music festival at historic Cumbrian castle
Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria
Fri 20 – Sat 21 June 2025wetransfer_ewan-fp-chef-dale-country-by-the-castle-jpg_2025-06-09_1559
This month (June), the historic Muncaster Castle on Cumbria’s western coast will welcome cowboys and country tunes alongside owls, as it hosts its first-ever country music festival, blending Nashville sounds with Lake District scenery.
‘Country by the Castle’ takes place on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 June 2025, with two days of live music and rootsy good times in one of Britain’s most unexpected festival venues — complete with ancient towers, birds of prey and 77 acres of blooming gardens.
At a time when British country music is on the rise, this new festival brings some of its brightest stars to the stage:
• Katy Hurt – UK Country Music Awards’ Best Vocalist
• Jeorgia Rose – fresh from Country 2 Country and a debut album making waves
• Robbie Cavanagh – Bob Harris’s Emerging Artist of the Year
• Cumbrian based Mountain Ash
• Kerry Weir, Sean Keefe and more
The festival closes with a headline set from Ags Connolly, often called the UK’s answer to Willie Nelson and one of the finest traditional country artists this side of the Atlantic.
“This will be a country festival like none other, combining a mix of local Cumbrian Country talent with that further afield and a castle — what is not to love. I for one cannot wait!”
— Ewan Frost-Pennington, General Manager of Muncaster Castle
Not Your Average Festival
More than just music, ‘Country by the Castle’ offers an immersive, family-friendly escape. Every ticket includes:
• Entry to the castle’s gardens and Hawk & Owl Centre
• Bird of Prey flying displays
• Weapons Hall “have-a-go” experiences in archery, crossbow and axe throwing
• Optional weekend camping under the stars
Plus, Head Chef Dale and team are bringing bold country flavours to the table with a special themed menu in The Stables Café.
It’s country with castles, cowboy hats, and Cumbrian charm.
A Boost for Rural Tourism
Country by the Castle is part of Muncaster’s wider mission to revive rural tourism by appealing to new audiences – especially young music fans, digital detoxers and staycationers looking for something different.
“We’re seeing people in their twenties and thirties coming not just for music, but for the atmosphere, the fresh air, and something that feels more real,”
— Ewan Frost-Pennington
Festival Info
• Full weekend ticket + camping: £49.50
• Discounted child tickets | Under 3s go free
• Non-camping and day tickets available
Book now at: www.muncaster.co.uk/countrybythecastle
