Somerset Sounds will be held at Somerset County Cricket Club in Taunton

A major new music festival will be held in Somerset next summer, it has been announced. Somerset Sounds will take place at Somerset County Cricket Club in Taunton, with organisers hoping to attract some of the world’s “biggest artists”.

The historic West Country club is teaming up with live entertainment company Full Fat 360 – the firm behind Milton Keynes’ SMK Live and Bristol’s BS3 Festival – to launch the annual event at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

Organisers say the venue will hose “major outdoor main-stage shows” which are expected to bring thousands of visitors to the county and boost the local economy each year.

“We want to create experiences that bring new audiences to Taunton from across the South West and beyond, while generating meaningful economic and cultural benefits for the county,” said Jamie Cox, chief executive of Somerset County Cricket Club.

“We have a proud history of hosting some of the world’s biggest artists here, and Somerset Sounds gives us the opportunity to build on that heritage and create something distinctive, ambitious and enduring.

“Our ambition is for Somerset Sounds to become one of the standout dates in the South West summer calendar and we’re incredibly excited about what we’re going to announce for 2027.”

World music stars including Sir Elton John, Rod Stewart and Lionel Richie are among the artists to have previously performed at the county ground and festival organisers have said that Somerset Sounds will build on that “legacy”.

Alongside musical performances, the organisers are planning to offer “premium hospitality” experiences and will have a fan village with food, drink and cultural attractions.

Oli Bartlam, founder of Full Fat 360, said: “The Cooper Associates County Ground already has an incredible legacy of hosting world-class live entertainment, and Somerset Sounds is the next ambitious step in that evolution.

“Taunton and the wider region have a massive appetite for major live music, and this partnership allows us to establish the region as a destination on the national touring circuit.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Somerset County Cricket Club to bring international acts to this iconic venue and build an event series the entire South West can be proud of. Summer 2027 is only the beginning.”

The launch marks a strategic move to establish the Cooper Associates County Ground as a primary UK live entertainment destination in its own right, expanding the venue’s footprint beyond its 145-year sporting history.

An impact report commissioned by the cricket club last year found the county ground attracts more than 150,000 visitors a year, while contributing £20m to the economy and directly supports over 200 jobs in the local area.

The line-up for Somerset Sounds 2027 is expected to be announced in the coming months.