BBC Radio 2 announces upcoming highlights along with return of BBC Radio 2 Country pop-up digital radio service

This morning on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, presenter Chris Evans announced the return of the pop-up digital radio service BBC Radio 2 Country, from Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 March (12pm – midnight), which will feature special broadcasts live from the C2C: Country To Country festival at The O2 in London.

Bob Harris launches the four-day celebration of country music with his show Welcome To Radio 2 Country (Thurs 10 March, 12-1pm), previewing the upcoming delights, and looking ahead to the weekend’s C2C: Country To Country festival which features some of the biggest country music names and rising country talent. Acts include the six-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year winner Miranda Lambert, honky tonk legend Dwight Yoakam, crossover country star Thomas Rhett, country duo Maddie and Tae, reigning CMA Male Vocalist Chris Stapleton, and country rock sensation Eric Church.

Highlights in the BBC Radio 2 Country schedule include a celebration of country pop with Sara Cox, and a look at storytelling in country music with Steve Wright. Paul Sexton predicts Nashville’s next big stars and breakout artists of 2016, Paul Gambaccini presents America’s Greatest Country Hits, and CMA-winning singer-songwriter Gretchen Peters presents‘Sad Songs Make Me Happy, with tracks from Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood and Vince Gill.

On Friday 11 March, presenters Bob Harris and Jo Whiley introduce music from the C2C: Country To Country festival at The O2 in London (6-11pm). Some of the world’s hottest country acts take to the main stage, and listeners can hear their performances, plus behind-the-scenes action, live on BBC Radio 2 Country (and simulcast on BBC Radio 2 from 8pm). Alex Lester and Paul Sexton join Bob at the festival on Saturday 12 March (4-11pm), with Baylen Leonard joining him on the final day (13 March, 4-11pm).

For the first time this year, there will be a BBC Radio 2 Country stage, taking place during the day at indigo at The O2 on Saturday 12 March and Sunday 13 March (midday to 4pm). Presented by BBC hosts over the two days, the daily programme will also include CMA Talks, artist signings and live music, including performances by David Nail, Lauren Alaina, Brooke Eden, and Old Dominion, with more to be announced.

Other highlights on the four-day pop-up digital radio service include Jeremy Vine’s Stompin’ Country, plus the Eagles front man, Don Henley, selects his favourite country music including tracks from George Jones, Dolly Parton and Lee Ann Womack. Cerys Matthews presents a special programme exploring the roots of country in old time Appalachian and American folk music, and the reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year, Little Big Town, introduce their favourite road songs.

Lewis Carnie, Head of Programmes for BBC Radio 2, says: “Radio 2 is passionate about music, so we're bringing back the pop-up digital radio service, BBC Radio 2 Country, alongside some exciting new music documentaries featuring some of the world's most popular musicians - from Pet Shop Boys, to Alfie Boe.”