The future of Live in Somerset, a beloved summer music festival held annually at Vivary Park in Taunton, is uncertain following a booking conflict caused by a clerical error. This unforeseen issue has left the venue unavailable for the festival’s usual August Bank Holiday weekend in 2026, putting the event at risk of cancellation.
Live in Somerset has a rich history of hosting notable acts such as Busted, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Ministry of Sound, drawing large crowds each year. However, festival organisers are now scrambling to find an alternative date or venue, a challenge made more urgent by the scheduling of a new 80s-themed event at Vivary Park during the same weekend.
In a statement on social media, the organisers acknowledged the difficulties ahead: “Due to a clerical error, Live in Somerset has been unable to book the normal late August bank holiday weekend at Vivary Park, Taunton for 2026. We must now explore different options, including potentially a new date or venue, though this is proving logistically very difficult.”
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They stressed the importance of maintaining the festival’s scale and quality, which requires a multi-night format to be financially viable. A final decision on whether Live in Somerset 2026 will proceed is expected by the end of January 2026, with organisers expressing gratitude for fans’ patience and ongoing support.