The Bend Classic today unveiled the full main stage line-up for South Australia’s biggest country music festival, with headliners Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston joined by James Blundell, Andrew Swift, Robbie Mortimer, Tori Darke and Denvah at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, this October long weekend. The seven-artist bill spans three generations of Australian country music — the pioneers who built the genre, today’s biggest chart-toppers and its fastest-rising new stars — across an action-packed stay-and-play weekend. Alistair MacDonald, Shell V-Power Motorsport Park CEO, said the event was a long-term commitment to South Australian music fans.

“At a time when fans are losing festivals, we’re building The Bend Classic for the long haul. This October long weekend it will be the biggest music event in the state, and we’re only getting started.” Mr MacDonald commented “We have built an entire event around fan feedback — great live music, camping with your mates and a full weekend of entertainment — and we have delivered that and more,” 

Come Saturday, it’s boots and all — the best names in Australian country sharing one stage for the very first time, from midday to the last encore. Veteran country hitmaker James Blundell will roll through three decades of favourites right up to Patience Wins, his brand-new No. 1 on the ARIA Country Album Chart. Three-time Golden Guitar winner Andrew Swift brings the singalong anthems from his chart-topping Lucky Stars, while country-rock firebrand Robbie Mortimer unleashes his signature high-energy sound following standout festival appearances at CMC Rocks QLD and Countryfest. Tori Darke arrives off the back of signing on for festivals in the UK and USA, and Australian Idol sensation Denvah, the new voice of Aussie country, kicks the day off.  And when the sun goes down, the big guns come out: Lee Kernaghan, the icon whose 30-plus chart-toppers are the soundtrack of the bush, followed by James Johnston, one of Australia’s most streamed country stars, fresh from the Golden Guitar for the nation’s top selling country album, playing his first ever SA festival before a sold-out UK tour.

“When I said The Bend Classic had the makings of the Tamworth of the South, this is what I was talking about. You look down this line-up and it’s the whole story of Australian country music on one stage — the artists who built it, the ones topping the charts today and the next generation coming through.” Lee Kernighan commented.

“This is my first festival in South Australia and they’ve handed me a line-up like this — it’s going to be one hell of a day. SA crowds are some of the rowdiest going around, so bring your boots and bring your voice.” James Johnston commented.

“Patience Wins going to No. 1 more than 30 years into my career tells you how strong Australian country music is right now, and this bill is the proof. You won’t see these artists together anywhere else in the country.” James Blundell commented.

“There’s something about a festival where everyone is camped on site — the crowd is there for the whole day and the energy just keeps building. I’ll be playing Lucky Stars loud enough to hear it from the campground.” Andrew Swift commented.

“There’s nothing quite like a festival crowd at night. The energy is unreal, and The Bend is getting absolutely everything we’ve got.” Robbie Mortimer commented.

“I’m playing festivals in the UK and America this year, but a line-up like this shows you don’t have to leave home to see world-class country music. I can’t wait to bring the new songs to South Australia.” Toni Drake commented.

“Not long ago I was singing these artists’ songs, and now my name is on the same poster. It’s a pinch-me moment and I can’t wait to get to The Bend.” Denvah commented.

Fans wanting to get closer to the stars can step into the all-new Texas Club, which goes on sale today. The strictly limited Saturday VIP experience features exclusive artist meet and greets* with Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston, premium front of stage viewing and a private club precinct with its own bar, seating and toilets. And the music doesn’t stop at the main stage.  Three stages sit within walking distance of each other.  The Coach Stage is where the party lives.  Saddle & Stomp call the steps as hundreds of line-dancing boots hit the floorboards and the Old Town Country Road DJ dance party keeps everyone moving late into the night. Local country acts will perform across the weekend, including El Coyote, Drew Akin, Jo Page & William Millard, and over at the Welcome Centre, enjoy unplugged sessions at the Acoustic Stage. Hungry? Fans can watch some of Australia’s best pitmasters go head-to-head for $20,000 in prize money in a BBQ competition, graze the food stalls down BBQ Alley and catch live-fire cooking sessions. Add whip-cracking demonstrations, a ute muster, axe throwing, car displays, circuit racing and classic cars thundering down the Dragway in Saturday’s Nostalgia Drags, the Summit Racing Equipment Dragway at The Bend Track Championship, and a Sunday night drive-in family movie. There’s nothing like staying amongst all the action, with great accommodation still available but selling fast. The wildly popular new infield site along pit straight has sold out of the deluxe tents, but due to demand an additional 40 camping sites have been released today. The onsite hotel has just three rooms remaining. The BIG4 won’t be far behind — ensuite and drive-through sites are already sold out, with limited availability across villas, powered and unpowered sites. The new Turn 1 tent and swag area is filling fast, while the Northern Apex and Horizon campgrounds offer prime trackside sites with free parking across the precinct and free shuttles on your doorstep — pitch up Friday and let the weekend come to you. Proudly presented by Burson Auto Parts, The Bend Classic will deliver a huge weekend of Cars, Country and Camping across two racetracks, three stages and five camping sites at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, from 2–4 October 2026. Tickets and camping packages are on sale now at www.thebend.com.au.

*Selected artist appearances and experiences are subject to artist availability and scheduling and may change without notice.