A POP-SYNTH star best known for his music in the 1980s is set to play his only live UK gig of the year in a Somerset town.
In November 2025, it was confirmed that Howard Jones would play the headline act for a new music festival in Taunton - Electric Summer.
Howard's 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’. He has also gained more than 14 million views on YouTube for his song 'What is Love'.
READ MORE: Howard Jones to headline new music festival in Taunton
READ MORE: Major Taunton music festival in doubt after organiser error
Held at Vivary Park, this new festival will be a one-day event on Sunday, August 30, 2026 (bank holiday weekend), featuring a line-up of 80s synthpop legends and contemporary electronic rock acts influenced by that classic decade.
Howard will be arriving fresh from headlining his THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER festival tour in the USA. Electric Summer will be the only gig he’s doing in the UK this year, and he's "overjoyed" to be playing a homecoming show in the centre of Taunton.
Howard said: “Vivary Park is such a beautiful venue for this show and come rain or shine, it's gonna be a must-see gig because of the incredible line-up.
"I’m very happy to be playing with my friends Heaven 17 and Blancmange, and can’t wait to see everyone on August 30th."
The brand-new festival, hosted by Souvenir Events, boasts 80s legends alongside contemporary bands – all offering that synth pop sound which has proved so enduring.
In an interview with Somerset Life Magazine, Howard said: "‘For me the excitement is playing in my hometown.
"I’ve lived in Taunton for 21 years and this is the first time I’ve played such a big gig here.
"It’s great because it seems everyone I meet knows about it already. And Vivary Park is such a beautiful place to be in the summer. Hopefully we’ll have good weather, and it will be amazing."
Festival organiser Jez Damsell is no stranger to hosting music events; he’s already well-known in the south west for organising live gigs and events, but says Electric Summer is the "opportunity to bring synth music to a wider audience".
“It’s a dream come true to create an event which not just celebrates that era, but also introduces some brilliant newer artists who loved the legends themselves and have gone on to create their own fantastic music,” he said.
In addition to the headline acts there will be music from Black Nail Cabaret, Mesh, Agency V, and Neon Fields – together with DJ sets from Paul Dakeyne.
And there’s a musical element to the charity support from Electric Summer - Nordoff and Robbins, a charity which delivers music therapy to people across the UK, including some of the most vulnerable people in society, will receive a donation from every ticket sold.
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.
Share