Summer 2027 is already shaping up to be one to remember for music lovers, and a brand-new UK festival is preparing to bring some serious soul, nostalgia and feel-good energy to the South West.
Somerset Sounds has officially announced its arrival on the British music calendar, and its inaugural line-up is already giving us plenty to get excited about.
Taking place at The Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton on Sunday 22 August 2027, the new festival will be headlined by legendary British band Simply Red, with special guests Heather Small and Soul II Soul also confirmed to perform.Three iconic names. Decades of unforgettable music. And the promise of a summer evening filled with the kind of songs that never lose their magic.
If soulful sounds, timeless classics and live music are your idea of the perfect summer experience, this is one event you’ll want firmly on your radar.
Simply Red Will Headline the First Somerset Sounds Festival
With a career spanning more than four decades, Simply Red have created a musical legacy that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
Fronted by the unmistakable voice of Mick Hucknall, the band have delivered some of the most recognisable songs in British soul-pop history.
From the beautifully soulful Holding Back the Years and If You Don’t Know Me by Now to the uplifting Fairground, Stars and Money’s Too Tight (To Mention), their catalogue is packed with the kind of music that can instantly transport you to another time.
And in summer 2027, fans will have the opportunity to experience that catalogue live as Simply Red embark on their newly announced Summer Funk ’27 UK and European tour.
Their appearance at Somerset Sounds will mark the grand finale of the tour and their only South West England performance of 2027. 
For the festival’s debut, securing a band with such an established musical legacy is quite the way to make an entrance.
And with Simply Red promising a summer of upbeat hits, this is shaping up to be an evening where singing along and dancing are very much encouraged.
Heather Small Is Bringing Her Powerhouse Vocals to Somerset
There are certain voices that you simply never forget, and Heather Small has one of them.
The unmistakable voice behind M People, Heather has provided the soundtrack to countless celebrations, unforgettable nights out and personal moments of triumph.
Who could forget the uplifting energy of Moving On Up, the beautifully empowering Search for the Hero or the soulful brilliance of One Night in Heaven?
These are songs that have stood the test of time, continuing to bring audiences together decades after their original release.
And if you’ve ever experienced Heather Small performing live, you’ll know that her extraordinary vocals are matched by an undeniable stage presence.
Her addition to the Somerset Sounds line-up brings another dimension of feel-good energy to what is already an exciting musical celebration.
For those of us who appreciate music with soul, substance and a little nostalgia, this is a particularly welcome announcement.
Soul II Soul Complete an Impressive Opening Line-Up
Adding another layer of musical excellence to the festival are Grammy Award-winning British collective Soul II Soul.
Led by Jazzie B, the pioneering group helped redefine the sound of British soul and dance music, creating a musical movement that continues to influence artists and audiences across generations.
Their timeless hits Back to Life (However Do You Want Me) and Keep On Movin’ remain essential listening for anyone who appreciates the golden era of British soul, R&B and dance music.
And there’s something special about hearing these records performed live.
The rhythm, the atmosphere, the nostalgia and that unmistakable feeling when the opening notes of a familiar song fill the air.
Bringing Soul II Soul together with Simply Red and Heather Small gives Somerset Sounds an opening line-up that celebrates British musical heritage while offering audiences an opportunity to reconnect with some truly exceptional music.
For lovers of classic soul and R&B, this is a combination that is difficult to ignore.
A Brand-New Addition to the UK’s Summer Festival Calendar
While the UK is certainly not short of established music festivals, there’s always something exciting about discovering a new event in its very first year.
Somerset Sounds is set to bring a major live music experience to The Cooper Associates County Ground, transforming the Taunton venue into a destination for music lovers looking to enjoy an unforgettable summer evening.
And although Simply Red, Heather Small and Soul II Soul are the first confirmed artists, organisers have indicated that further announcements are still to come.
For those living in Somerset and the surrounding areas, the festival presents an opportunity to experience internationally recognised artists closer to home.
For those of us travelling from further afield, it could also provide the perfect excuse to turn a concert into a summer getaway, combining live music with an opportunity to explore more of the South West.
Whether you’re planning a weekend away with friends, a romantic escape or simply looking for something different to add to your summer calendar, Somerset Sounds is certainly worth considering.
Somerset Sounds 2027: Dates, Venue and Ticket Information
Planning to attend the inaugural Somerset Sounds festival? Here’s everything you need to know about the first confirmed event.
Event: Somerset Sounds 2027
Date: Sunday 22 August 2027
Venue: The Cooper Associates County Ground, St James Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1JT
Confirmed artists: Simply Red, Heather Small and Soul II Soul
Artist and priority presale: Tuesday 22 September 2026, from 10am
General ticket sale: Thursday 24 September 2026, from 10am
Tickets: Available through official ticketing partners, including Ticketmaster.
Fans interested in attending are encouraged to register for presale access through the official Somerset Sounds website ahead of the public ticket release.
Further artist announcements and additional event information are expected as the festival approaches.
Visit the official Somerset Sounds website for tickets and announcements
The Sasha Edit: A Summer of Soul, Nostalgia and Feel-Good Music
There’s something about live music that makes it such an essential part of the summer experience.
Whether it’s hearing a song that reminds you of a particular moment in your life, dancing with friends or discovering a new appreciation for an artist you’ve listened to for years, music has an incredible ability to bring people together.
And when a festival brings together artists such as Simply Red, Heather Small and Soul II Soul, there’s an undeniable sense of nostalgia that makes the experience even more appealing.
These are artists whose music has accompanied generations through life’s celebrations, relationships, unforgettable nights out and everything in between.
The opportunity to experience that music live, surrounded by people who share the same appreciation, is what makes events like Somerset Sounds so exciting.
With its inaugural festival now officially announced and further additions to the programme still to come, Somerset Sounds is already giving music lovers something to look forward to in summer 2027.
And personally, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the season than with good music, great company and a soundtrack filled with timeless classics.
Somerset Sounds 2027: This one deserves a place on your summer calendar.
Discover more music, entertainment and unforgettable experiences at SashaShantel.com.
