This morning, Tori Darke was officially announced on the 2026 Country Calling festival lineup in the UK marking a massive international move for the Aussie star. Held in Essex, Country Calling has quickly become one of the UK’s go-to country festivals shining a light on established names and the next wave of artists.
For Darke, the announcement hits at exactly the right moment. After years of grinding on the road and building a reputation as one of Australia’s most powerful live performers, she’s now stepping into her biggest global chapter yet. Landing a slot on a UK festival stage isn’t just a milestone, it’s a signal that international listeners are hungry for what Australian country artists are bringing to the table.
The announcement also arrives in sync with the release of her new single, Build Me A Man, a confident, tongue in cheek anthem that leans into sharp wordplay and Darke’s unmistakable vocal edge.
It’s bold, it’s cheeky and it shows off an artist who’s clearly having a moment with her sound. Build Me A Man cuts straight through the noise of modern country with its sharp humour and unapologetic attitude, proving once again that Darke knows how to deliver a hook that sticks. It’s playful, it’s punchy and it feels tailor made for crowds who love their country with a little extra flair.
With new music dropping and her first major UK festival slot locked in, 2026 is shaping up to be one of Darke’s biggest years yet. Her appearance at Country Calling isn’t just another gig, it’s her official step onto the global stage and a clear sign that her momentum is shifting from homegrown favourite to international force.
Countrytown brings you Australia’s best country music news, interviews, charts and more every week! This post was authored by Countrytown and originally published on the Countrytown website. It has been re-published with permission.
