ELECTRIC SUMMER - Howard Jones Live in Vivary Park TAUNTON

** TICKETS ON SALE 10am GMT on FRIDAY 21 NOVEMBER **

Souvenir Events is proud and excited to announce a new music festival for Taunton in summer 2026!

‘Electric Summer’ is a one-day event taking place on Sunday 30 August 2026 (bank holiday weekend) in the town’s beautiful Vivary Park, featuring a line-up of 80’s synthpop legends and contemporary electronic rock acts influenced by that classic decade. A meeting of the established and the new(er) wave.

Our headliner is an artist who has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide since he first burst onto the scene in 1983, played at LIVE AID in 1985, and who continues to release new material and perform worldwide to this day – HOWARD JONES. His fantastic 1984 debut album ‘Human’s Lib’ hit the number one spot, featuring the smash hit singles ‘New Song’, ‘What is Love?’, ‘Hide And Seek’ and ‘Pearl In The Shell’, and is an acknowledged classic synthpop album.

We’re also hugely excited to confirm that, also appearing will be influential electronic pop pioneers HEAVEN 17 and BLANCMANGE, both of whom created bona fide synthpop classics and some of the 80’s most enduring anthems including ‘Temptation’, ‘(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang’, ‘Living On The Ceiling’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me’.

‘Electric Summer’ isn’t just about the legends. There are many contemporary acts releasing fantastic electronic music who deserve to be seen in the flesh by as many people as possible, and we couldn’t be happier to give four of them a festival stage:

- MESH, the Bristol-based alternative electronic rock band who have a large, devoted following in the UK and throughout Europe.

- BLACK NAIL CABARET, a dark electronic pop duo who will be flying in from their home in Hungary to perform.

- AGENCY-V, a trio who gained thousands of new fans when they supported Gary Numan for his Glastonbury warm-up shows in June 2025.

- NEON FIELDS, a dynamic band based in the south-west with a sound likened to Depeche Mode, Muse and Gary Numan.

- The line-up is augmented by internationally renowned producer and remixer PAUL DAKEYNE, who’ll be keeping the audience entertained during the breaks with specially curated DJ sets.

We are also honoured to tell you that this event will be in aid of Nordoff and Robbins, a charity which delivers music therapy to people across the UK, including some of the most vulnerable people in society. Much loved by the music industry itself, Nordoff and Robbins has long recognised the power of music to help people break through barriers so they can connect, communicate and truly express themselves. 

Please note that there will be NO PRE-SALE. Early Bird and General Release tickets will be available immediately from 10am on Friday 21 November 2025.

Wheelchair users wishing to book can do so by contacting the organiser directly. Please see the "about the host" section at the top of this listing for details about how to get in touch.

There will be no seating available for general admission ticket holders, but please feel free to bring a foldable camping chair in the park. You'll be directed toward a safe, designated area specifically for people bringing in chairs. To emphasise, they must be of the folding camping variety!

Come and join us for what is going to be a memorable day in glorious Somerset, but in the meantime, follow our Facebook page for updates and information.