AN award-winning American vocalist will be headlining Essex’s first country music festival this summer.

Dixie Fields announced that Academy of Country Music Awards 2018 new female vocalist of the year, Lauren Alaina, will be performing.

The concert will take place on farmland bordering Hylands Park from July 12 to 14.

It features a Friday evening outdoor cinema and campsite acoustic session, a full country music line-up on the Saturday, and a big American style brunch on the Sunday morning for campers.

Making her first visit to Essex, Georgia native Alaina captured America’s hearts when she competed in season ten of American Idol.

In 2017, she followed up her debut album, Wildflower, with the release of the critically-acclaimed Road Less Traveled.

The album landed on multiple lists including Billboard, Rolling Stone and Amazon, and it became the top-streamed female country album release of the year.

Alaina will be joined by Essex acts including Southend band Holloway Road.

Duo Jack Cooper and Rob Gulston completed their first full band headline tour in 2017 and during the summer of 2018 they returned to Nashville to write for their third EP Broke.

Other acts and entertainment include The Jackson Line from Chelmsford, London-based singer Megan O’Neill, acoustic sets, campfires, country karaoke and American food.

Festival operations director Georgie Thorogood said: “We are so excited to be bringing this event to Essex.

“I’ve been a huge fan of country music for many years, spending hours listening to Dolly Parton and the Dixie Chicks.

“I’m delighted that it is experiencing a huge surge in popularity in the UK at the moment and there is massive demand for the genuinely good fun times that come with this type of music.

“Think marshmallows and songs around the campfire – this is what we will be offering at Dixie Fields.

“Essex has an amazing pool of talent in country music and we can’t wait to showcase some of the local stars alongside the international talent as well.”

Camping will be available on both Friday and Saturday night with additional entertainment for camping ticket holders and more artists to be announced.

To buy tickets, visit www.dixiefields.com.