Max SteventonPromoter Full Fat 360 will launch a new 18,000-capacity annual summer concert series next year.
The Live Nation owned company has partnered with Somerset County Cricket Club to stage the event at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton. It has a standing capacity of 2o,000 with 8,500 seats in the stands.
The first Somerset Sounds events are scheduled to take place next summer, with the promoter aiming to bring international touring artists to the South West.
The partnership will see Full Fat 360 co-promote and deliver the concerts, with the Cooper Associates County Ground hosting outdoor main-stage shows on its outfield, alongside hospitality in the stands and a fan village on St James Street.
The launch forms part of the cricket club’s plans to expand the use of the 145-year-old venue beyond the sport. The County Ground has previously hosted artists including Elton John, Rod Stewart and Lionel Richie. The venue is located close to Taunton railway station, with direct services connecting the town with London, Bristol and Exeter.
Full Fat 360’s existing portfolio includes the SMK Live festival series at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, as well as Kings of Leon and BS3 Festival at Bristol’s Ashton Gate.
SCCC commissioned an economic impact analysis in 2025, which estimated that the club contributes more than £20m a year to the local and regional economy and directly supports more than 200 local jobs. The analysis also estimated that the County Ground attracts 150,000 visitors annually.
“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.
“Taunton and the wider region have a massive appetite for major live music, and this partnership allows us to establish the region as a destination on the national touring circuit. We’re thrilled to be working with Somerset County Cricket Club to bring international acts to this iconic venue and build an event series the entire South West can be proud of. Summer 2027 is only the beginning.”
SCCC CEO Jamie Cox said, “Somerset Sounds represents an important step in the evolution of the Club and the Cooper Associates County Ground. Cricket will always be at the heart of who we are, but we have a much wider ambition for the venue and for the role it can play within Somerset.
“Our ambition is for Somerset Sounds to become one of the standout dates in the South West summer calendar and we’re incredibly excited about what we’re going to announce for 2027.”