Next summer, a fresh new music festival will light up Somerset, stepping in to fill the void left by Glastonbury’s fallow year. The Rhythm and Rays Festival is slated to launch on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at The Royal Bath and West Showground—just five miles from the legendary Worthy Farm.
This exciting new event showcases a dynamic lineup of emerging talent across diverse musical genres. Headliners include Magic Money Mike, Rhubarb Bridge, Save Our Ships, Stone Cold Sweethearts, Exodus, and more, promising a vibrant and varied musical experience.
Festival founder and lead artist James Johnson, aged 30 and known on stage as Dynamic, expressed his enthusiasm for the inaugural event: “This launch year is all about setting the tone for something memorable. With our date locked in and the Royal Bath and West Showground as home, we’re ready to create a festival that people will cherish and keep coming back to.”
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The introduction of Rhythm and Rays comes during Glastonbury Festival’s scheduled fallow year—a biennial pause allowing Worthy Farm’s soil to recover and fans to build their anticipation for the festival’s return.
Aware that their event cannot emulate the massive scale of Glastonbury, James sees Rhythm and Rays as a unique alternative, offering music lovers a new highlight in the summer festival calendar. “We want to fill that gap and give people something special to look forward to,” he said.
Beyond music, Rhythm and Rays aims to cultivate a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The festival will feature local food vendors and has plans to include charities on site. With James’ strong commitment to mental health and neurodivergence awareness, key provisions such as sensory calm tents and mental health support spaces will ensure the event is inclusive and comfortable for everyone.
James has garnered attention for his heartfelt song “All a Little Different (Autism Awareness),” which has resonated with over 115,000 TikTok followers and reflects his dedication to raising awareness.
Tickets for Rhythm and Rays are priced at £25 for adults and £10 for children, with booking fees applicable. Attendees can also opt to camp overnight on festival grounds, immersing themselves fully in the experience. Applications are currently open for performers, food and drink vendors, and traders eager to be part of this exciting new chapter in Somerset’s festival scene.