Somerset Sounds

About Somerset Sounds

The Cooper Associates County Ground sits in central Taunton as a cricket ground for most of the year. In August 2027 it takes the first edition of Somerset Sounds, a music festival built around soul-pop, soul and R&B. Capacity is 15,000.

The festival was launched in 2026, when Simply Red was named as the inaugural headliner. The setting keeps it close to Taunton station and the M5 rather than a greenfield site.

Lineup and Programme

Announced acts include Simply Red. The Somerset Sounds date is the band’s only South West performance of 2027.

The music sits around soul-pop, soul and R&B. Food and drink are sold inside the venue, with cashless card and contactless payment in use.

Who Is It For?

The crowd skews adult. The first bill and genre mix point to mainstream fans of classic soul-pop and R&B.

Food and drink are bought inside the venue. Payments are cashless.

The Venue and Site

The Cooper Associates County Ground is a city-centre Taunton venue, ten minutes on foot from Taunton Railway Station and seven minutes from M5 junction 25. The site is fully accessible.

Food and drink are available inside. Lost property is handled at Reception of the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion.

Travel to Somerset Sounds

The ground sits in central Taunton, with rail, road and park & ride routes in the festival access plan.

• Rail: Taunton Railway Station is a ten-minute walk from the venue.
• Road: The venue is seven minutes from junction 25 of the M5, with access routes via the A358, Toneway/A358, Priory Avenue, Station Road, Priory Bridge Road, Castle Green and St James Street.
• Parking: There is no car parking on site. Public car parks operate in Taunton, with park & ride from Silk Mills West, TA1 5AA, and Junction 25 East, TA3 5LU.