Country music to get first national UK radio station

Playlist will feature the likes of Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris and Carrie Underwood.

Country music star Kacey Musgraves (Getty)

The UK's first ever national country music radio station is launching next month.

In the latest proof of the UK's growing appreciation for country music, Country Hits Radio will start its first broadcast on 5 April and is aimed at listeners aged 25-44.

Station bosses at Bauer told the BBC that the Country Hits Radio playlist will feature the likes of Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris and Carrie Underwood.

The Saturdays' singer Una Healy has signed up to host a weekend show, while Baylen Leonard and Ty Bentli will be among its weekday presenters.

“When you look at the success of artists such as The Shires and Ward Thomas as well as huge events like Country 2 Country, it's clear there's a real audience for country music in the UK,” said Healy.

“It's a genre I've fallen in love with and it's thrilling that it now has a home in Country Hits Radio. I can't wait to get started!”

Bauer added country was the “biggest genre of music to have previously been without its own radio station”.

The news follows the Country 2 Country music festival that took place at several locations in the UK - including London's O2 Arena - over the weekend.