UK Somerset Sounds festival to launch in 2027
Somerset County Cricket Club has partnered with UK live entertainment company Full Fat 360 to launch Somerset Sounds, a new annual summer concert series at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton, England.
The event series is due to launch in summer 2027, with the partners aiming to establish the venue as a regular destination for major international touring artists in South West England.
Expanding the venue beyond cricket
The Cooper Associates County Ground, which has been home to Somerset County Cricket Club since the 19th century, has previously hosted large-scale concerts by artists including Elton John, Rod Stewart and Lionel Richie.
Under the Somerset Sounds brand, the ground will host outdoor main-stage concerts on the cricket outfield, alongside hospitality areas in the stands and a new St James Street Fan Village featuring food, drink and other activities.
Full Fat 360 to co-promote series
Full Fat 360 will co-promote and deliver the series. The UK promoter is also behind projects including the SMK Live series at the 30,000-capacity Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, as well as concerts and events at Bristol’s Ashton Gate Stadium, including Kings of Leon and BS3 Festival.
The partnership forms part of Somerset County Cricket Club’s plans to increase the use of the Cooper Associates County Ground outside cricket and develop its position as a regional entertainment venue.
Regional economic impact
An economic impact study commissioned by the club in 2025 estimated that Somerset CCC and activity at the ground contribute more than £20 million annually to the local and regional economy and directly support more than 200 jobs. The venue attracts around 150,000 visitors annually, according to the club.
“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,” said Full Fat 360 founder Oli Bartlam.
Somerset County Cricket Club chief executive Jamie Cox said: “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. 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.
First acts still to be announced.