Next summer, Somerset will welcome a vibrant new music festival designed to fill the void left by Glastonbury’s fallow year. Rhythm and Rays Festival is launching on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at The Royal Bath and West Showground — just five miles from the legendary Worthy Farm.
The inaugural lineup features a dynamic mix of emerging artists spanning multiple genres, including Magic Money Mike, Rhubarb Bridge, Save Our Ships, Stone Cold Sweethearts, Exodus, and more. Festival founder and headliner James Johnson, 30, is eager to establish a memorable event: “Our goal this first year is to set the tone for something special. With our confirmed date and venue, we’re creating a festival that people will want to come back to year after year.”
Glastonbury Festival will take a fallow year in 2026 to allow Worthy Farm’s soil to recover and to build excitement among fans. While Rhythm and Rays won’t match Glastonbury’s scale, James hopes it will offer a meaningful alternative during the hiatus. “We want to fill that gap and give music lovers something to look forward to,” he explained.
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The festival will spotlight local food vendors, and James aims to involve charities by inviting them to set up stalls, enhancing the community spirit of the event.
Passionate about mental health and neurodiversity awareness, James—known on stage as Dynamic—has touched thousands through his autism awareness anthem, “All a Little Different,” which has resonated with over 115,000 followers on TikTok. His commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the festival’s sensory calm zones and mental health tents, providing spaces for attendees to relax and recharge if overwhelmed.
Tickets for Rhythm and Rays are now available at £25 for adults and £10 for children, plus booking fees. Attendees can also choose to camp overnight. The festival is currently accepting applications from performers, food and drink vendors, and traders eager to be part of this exciting new event.