The Bend Classic Unveils Full 2026 Line-up

James Blundell, Tori Darke, Denvah and more join the already-announced headliners, Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston.

A few months after announcing the headliners for this year’s The Bend Classic – Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston – organisers have announced the full line-up.

Joining this year’s headliners at South Australia's biggest country music festival are multi-generational stars, James Blundell, Andrew Swift, Robbie Mortimer, Tori Darke and Denvah.

Each act performs at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend this October long weekend (2-4 October). The seven-artist line-up spans three generations of Australian country music, showcasing the genre’s pioneers, frequent chart-toppers, and rising stars.

Tickets to this year’s event are on sale now. Per a press release, great accommodation is still available, but it’s selling fast, with deluxe tents, an on-site hotel, BIG4, and new tent sites offering plenty of spaces for punters to stay.

Not stopping at live music, The Bend Classic delivers a massive weekend of cars and camping alongside loud, proud country music each year. The festival site takes place across two racetracks, three stages, and five camping sites at the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park.

To find out more about tickets and camping packages, head to the Bend Classic website.

Alistair MacDonald, Shell V-Power Motorsport Park CEO, said of delivering another high-energy event to the South Australian community, “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.

“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.”

Newly added to the line-up, Tori Darke commented on her plans playing in the US and the UK this year but expressed delight at coming home. “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,” she said. “I can’t wait to bring the new songs to South Australia.”

Denvah added, “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.”