CMA brings country to the UK

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – The Country Music Association returned to the United Kingdom last week for C2C: Country to Country festival with a series of concerts a nd events.

"C2C is always such an incredible experience, from kicking off the weekend with a sold-out Songwriters Series to hosting the CMA Spotlight Stage in London and Glasgow, we were reminded again of the strength and global connection of our genre," said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "Country music reached new heights in 2024, and the momentum has only grown stronger in these first few months of 2025. With more artists, industry professionals and fans engaging with the genre, we're more excited than ever for what's in store."

CMA kicked off its return to C2C with the CMA Songwriters Series on March 13 at the sold-out Indigo at The O2. Jessi Alexander, Wyatt Flores, Mickey Guyton, Darius Rucker and Tucker Wetmore all performed with Rucker hosting.

For the first time ever, CMA sponsored C2C's Spotlight Stage, in London and Glasgow, Scotland. Bayker Blankenship, Drew Baldridge, Harper O'Neill, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper, Kassi Ashton, Kezia Gill, Max McNown and Willow Avalon played The O2 in London, with Blankenship, Baldridge, O'Neill, Ashton, Gill, and Avalon also performing at the OVO Hydro Glasgow.

CMA awarded Richard Murdoch (Producer for "Another Country with Ricky Ross," BBC Radio Scotland) with the 2024 CMA Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award, "recognizing his innovative approach to media and his dedication to expanding country music worldwide," according to a press release.

CMA also organized a series of industry events in London, designed to forge new connections and strengthen global relationships. CMA hosted a presentation, "Brand Power of Country Music in the U.K.," diving into the rise of country and the loyalty of its fans. Tailored for U.K.-based brand agencies, the session featured industry insight from thought leaders in all facets of the music business, spotlighting strategies for deepening connections with artists and their audiences.

The event was a collaborative effort, bringing together players in both domestic and international markets. Presenters included Michelle Boursiquot (BMG), Ami Brown (Universal Music Group), Zoe Briggs (REPUBLIC Collective), Phil Connolly (Sony Music), Meredith Goucher (CMA), Alexandra Hannaby (Big Machine Label Group), Sean Hendrie (United Talent Agency), Jim King (AEG Presents), Baylen Leonard (Absolute Radio Country, The Long Road, Holler), Rachel Lloyd (AEG Presents), Neil McSteen (CAA), Anna-Sophie Mertens (Live Nation), Luke Roberts (Lime Tree Music), Shannon Saunders (WME), Cayleigh Shepherd (Big Loud), Gaelle Siourakan (Universal Music Group), Helen Thomas (BBC Radio 2) and Trahern.

CMA continues its international efforts March 21-23 at CMC Rocks in Australia.