With just over a month to go until Somerset Rocks, one of Taunton’s biggest music events, organisers have announced a new addition to its line-up. Philippa Hanna, an acclaimed British singer-songwriter, will open Will Young’s show in Vivary Park on Saturday 27 August 2016.
Somerset Rock’s Saturday night is shaping up to be a truly special night of music with Philippa and Scouting for Girls performing ahead of Will Young. Philippa is no stranger to performing live and is one of the most sought-after acoustic performers in the UK, having opened tours for artists including Lionel Richie, Anastacia, Leona Lewis and Wet Wet Wet.
Bob Reid of LCC Live said: “Philippa Hanna is a welcome addition to Somerset Rocks’ Saturday night show. She’s superb live and will certainly get the crowd warmed up ahead of Scouting for Girls and Will Young.”
Organisers have been overwhelmed with the response they’ve had from the public. Tickets have sold beyond initial expectations with tickets to Status Quo sold out. Some tickets remain for Will Young and Jools Holland, but concert goers had best be quick as the concert promoter, LCC Live, has reported an increase in ticket sales during the last week.
Bob added: “The public has really embraced Somerset Rocks and all that we’re trying to achieve with the three-evening live music event. Somerset Rocks is all about raising awareness and funds for St. Margaret’s Hospice, whilst giving the local community the opportunity to see some of the world’s best music artists. It’s going to be a truly spectacular event.
“Tickets are continuing to sell strongly. As we get closer to the event, we’ve seen a surge in ticket sales for Will Young and Jools Holland. For those who have still to buy tickets, my advice is to be quick!”
Somerset Rocks is a three-evening music event being held at Taunton’s Vivary Park to raise funds and awareness for St. Margaret’s Hospice. It takes place during the August bank holiday weekend (26-28 August 2016) and features Status Quo (Friday 26 August); Will Young (Saturday 27 August); and Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra (Sunday 28 August).
Somerset Rocks is one element of a well-established programme of fundraising events for St. Margaret’s Hospice as it strives to make each day count for its patients. Each year, the Hospice cares for 3200 patients and their families, at a cost of £10 million, of which it must fundraise £7.5 million.
Ann Lee, Chief Executive of St. Margaret’s Hospice, said:
“The countdown is on to what is shaping up to be one of Taunton’s biggest live music events. With Status Quo, Will Young (with support from Philippa Hanna and Scouting for Girls); and Jools Holland with special guests Red Sky July, this a truly unique event for Somerset, and St. Margaret’s Hospice is exceptionally proud to be part of it.
“The response from the public has been overwhelming – tickets are selling exceptionally well and there’s a real buzz of excitement within the local community.”
Ann added: “We’ve just over a month to go now until Vivary Park is transformed into a family-fun, festival type environment for a series of shows from legendary musicians and performers all of which will create a lasting legacy for the vital work we do across Somerset.”
Cllr Mark Edwards, Deputy Leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council and Chair of Taunton Events Group, said:
“Taunton is very much looking forward to hosting Somerset Rocks in the award-winning Vivary Park. Our staff work extremely hard to ensure the Park is looking it’s best for residents and visitors. It is especially attractive throughout the summer and will provide a stunning setting for what is going to be a very enjoyable weekend of music. Ticket sales have proved that Somerset Rocks is a popular attraction and it would be very welcome as an annual event.”
Special arrangements have been made to allow Jools Holland concert-goers to take one folding chair per person to the concert to sit on, in a special designated area within the arena. This will be for the Jools Holland show only on Sunday 28 August and no folding chairs will be allowed at the other two shows.
Tickets for Will Young (27 August); and Jools Holland (28 August) are available to purchase online at: www.ticketline.co.uk; by phone: 0844 888 9991 or from St. Margaret’s Hospice shops in Somerset.
Picture: Philippa Hanna is to support Will Young at Somerset Rocks on Saturday 27 August.