Electric Summer Festival

Eighties icons and rising synth-pop stars collide this August as Taunton's brand-new Electric Summer festival promises nostalgia, fresh sounds and a hometown headline set.

Story by Liam Hughes

10/07/2026

The South West is getting a brand-new celebration of synth-pop this summer, with Electric Summer bringing a stacked line-up of legendary names and modern favourites to Taunton's Vivary Park on August 30.

Leading the bill is Howard Jones, who returns for a special hometown performance in the town he's called home for more than two decades. Fresh from his US THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER tour, the show marks his only UK appearance of 2026, making it one of the festival's biggest draws. "Vivary Park is such a beautiful venue for this show and, come rain or shine, it's going to be a must-see gig because of the incredible line-up," Jones said. "I'm very happy to be playing with my friends Heaven 17 and Blancmange, and can't wait to see everyone on August 30." Between them, Howard Jones, Heaven 17 and Blancmange have already lined up more than 80 tour dates this year, underlining the lasting appeal of the artists who helped define the synth-pop era. Jones' breakthrough album Human's Lib topped the charts in 1984 and spawned enduring hits including New Song, What Is Love?, Hide And Seek and Pearl In The Shell. Meanwhile, Heaven 17 and Blancmange remain synonymous with classics such as Temptation, (We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang, Living On The Ceiling and Don't Tell Me. But Electric Summer isn't simply looking backwards. The festival also shines a spotlight on today's electronic scene, with performances from Black Nail Cabaret, Mesh, Agency-V and Neon Fields, while internationally renowned producer Paul Dakeyne will soundtrack the day with curated DJ sets. Festival organiser Jez Damsell says the event is about celebrating synth music across generations, pairing iconic artists with newer acts inspired by their legacy. Electric Summer will also support Nordoff and Robbins, with a donation from every ticket sold helping the music therapy charity continue its work with vulnerable people across the UK.