Band Merchandise Case Study - Country 2 Country Festival 2025
In 2025, I was commissioned to design festival band merchandise for Country to Country, the UK's largest country music festival. CountryLine Radio asked me to create a set of four collectable discography maps as official poster merchandise, centred on the headline acts and the genre's broader story. This is the story of how that project came together, and why the z-fold map format works so well for live events.
The Brief from CountryLine Radio
CountryLine Radio approached me with a clear vision: to produce unique, collectable maps celebrating the headline acts of Country to Country (C2C) 2025, alongside a special History of Country Music map. Each piece had to be practical, memorable and visually stunning, something fans would treasure long after the festival had ended.
That balance of usefulness on the day and collectability afterwards shaped every design decision I made.
Why Z-Fold Festival Band Merchandise Works
My distinctive Z-fold format folds neatly into an easy-to-carry size, then expands into a full A2 poster. Each map is encased within sturdy, elegant hardcovers that protect the artwork and lift the overall presentation.
Designed with festival-goers in mind, these maps slip into a back pocket ready for use at the event, and frame up beautifully as a lasting memento once everyone is home. For a promoter, that means a single product that sells on the merch table and keeps earning its place on a wall long after.
The Four Maps
Three headliner maps. Each map is dedicated to one of the festival's headline performers. When I research a discography map, I plot the musicians, band members and session players behind the artist as transport-style lines running through their studio albums, with one-off collaborators shown as branch lines. The result captures each artist's full recording story in my signature tube map style:
This comprehensive map charts the evolution of the genre, highlighting influential artists, landmark albums and the defining moments that shaped country music. It works as both a tribute and an educational piece, giving fans new insight into the music they love.
Practical and Collectable
The strength of these maps lies not only in the detail of the artwork but also in their practicality.
Lightweight and compact, they proved easy for festival attendees to carry all day, enhancing the experience rather than weighing them down.
After the event, each one transitions seamlessly into framed artwork, so the value lasts well beyond the weekend.
Why Discography Maps Work as Merchandise
My maps always combine detailed research, artistic craftsmanship and practical use. From the patterns I have mapped across country, rock and pop catalogues, the same thing holds true every time: fans connect most deeply with work that respects the full record, not a generic poster. For C2C that meant a genuine link between music fans, their favourite artists and the broader legacy of country music.
Festival Band Merchandise: Common Questions
What is a discography map as festival merchandise?
It is a hand-researched map of an artist's recording history, with credited musicians, session players and guests drawn as transport-style lines running through their studio albums. Produced as a z-fold, it doubles as a practical festival keepsake and a framed art print.
Why does the z-fold format suit a festival or tour?
It folds to pocket size and is protected by hardcovers, so it is easy to carry and quick to restock on a merch table. It then opens to a full A2 poster, giving the visual impact of large artwork at a table-friendly price.
Can I commission band merchandise maps for my festival or tour?
Yes. I work directly with promoters, managers and labels on archival accuracy, brand alignment and wholesale pricing. You can see my wider offer on my band merchandise for musicians page.
Ready to Partner?
If you are a promoter, manager or band representative, let's explore how my distinctive maps can strengthen your merchandise offering, both at gigs and online. Get in touch through my contact page or email me directly at mike@mikebellmaps.com.
Let customers speak for us
Wonderful product and I will certainty be ordering again from Mike.
A great idea and good quality
Loved this piece! Quality was great and shipped with care, arrived perfectly.
I have a number of these prints now and they are always beautifully printed and pristine
They always come well packed so they remain perfect on delivery
Beautiful unique gift
Brilliant product! I bought this as a gift for my dad’s birthday. He loves it and it’s already displayed proudly on his wall.
Beautiful, good quality, well packaged. And my partner loved it! Thanks so much.
Excellent product and so well packaged
Excellent item, received quickly. Recommended.
Loved this when I saw it in the Uckfield Cinema Restaurant as we live within the map. Very detailed. Will be a great talking point with visitors. Excellent packing and delivery service.
Brilliant! Bought as a present for an old friend - It’s brought so much joy!
Going to make a brilliant 70th birthday present
Cool picture, great gift for a crowded house fan
Great product well packaged and good delivery time.
Bought for my partner for Xmas so he’s not actually seen it yet but I know he’ll love it. Thank you.
Great service. Easy to order, was kept up to date with delivery progress and I was very happy with the quality of the product.