Top UK country singer with a huge UK following is set to entertain East Anglia throughout 2024
Stonham Barns Park – one of Suffolk’s premier leisure, retail and holiday destinations – is set for a mega year of country music with no less than three separate festivals covering the months of April, June and September.
The first festival weekend will be headlined by Henry Smith – one of the UK’s most revered country music artists who battles a disorder that can prevent him speaking – on 5, 6 and 7 April 2024.
He will be joined by the Henry Smith Dreams Band and compares Steve Farrar and DJ Pepper introducing the Ian Highland Band, Warren Dewitt, Nashville Numbers, Ainsley Kirkman, Normand Borland and Kenny Junior who will be helping Henry to celebrate his recovery and return to country music.
The Henry Smith Country Music Festival will also showcase up and coming artists Theresa Coupland, Jimmy Greggory and Cassie B (A Patsy Cline Tribute).
The fact that Henry Smith back singing is nothing short of phenomenal. He is one of the most influential country singers in the UK and Europe with his blend of traditional and contemporary country music. It’s a miracle that he’s able to talk – with Spasmodic Dystonia – let alone sing so beautifully.
Henry has sung all over the UK, he’s travelled to Europe and parts of the USA with his band, and he has a huge and dedicated following of country music fans.
Speaking about the Henry Smith Country Music Festival, Janice Rowles of Stonham Barns Park said: ‘Suffolk is the perfect setting for country music, and we are delighted to be inviting Henry Smith back to perform at Stonham Barns Park. He is such a talent and such a personality to have battled his voice challenge head on and won. It is such an honour to have him booked to perform here for three separate festivals.’
‘We have always showcased country music here and are planning to develop this offering further into 2024.’
‘Bookings are coming in already and so we would advise anyone interested to book early to avoid disappointment.’
In 2017, Henry first noticed a problem with his voice as he was not able to hit some of the notes while he was on stage singing, this then progressed to the odd word that just would not come out of his mouth. Soon talking then became a problem. It was a real strain to talk and then his voice just went completely.
Then followed many devastating years for Henry not being able to do what he loved best, entertaining people with his singing, telling his witty jokes and talking to his fans.
Henry received treatment via the NHS – he’s been hypnotised and sent for botox injections on both sides of the larynx. The success was short lived. Not being able to talk and sing has taken its toll on Henry, without being able to entertain or just talk to friends and family, he felt nothing but despair. His family, friends and fans were supporting him, but they all felt helpless as they could not help him with getting his voice back ……or so they thought!
One day (in 2022) he woke up and his voice made a sound! After careful progress, many months later, Henry was back singing. It was a miracle and what a voice he has.
‘Country fans can witness this amazing man singing his favourite songs at The Barn at Stonham Barns Park as he continues to celebrate his recovery.’
