Discover Somerset’s Show of Hands Festival 2026: A Groundbreaking Event Celebrating Jazz, Community, and Independent Music, Boosting Local Tourism- Check It Out Now

Published on December 14, 2025

In 2026, Somerset, England, will welcome a new festival to its cultural calendar. The inaugural Show of Hands Festival is set to take place over the bank holiday weekend in Bruton, a picturesque town nestled in the rolling hills of Somerset. This exciting new event promises to be a unique celebration of jazz, grassroots music, and community, aiming to create an atmosphere where families and friends can come together and enjoy up-and-coming musical talent in a relaxed and welcoming setting. The festival’s focus on local music, independent spirit, and community values is expected to make it a standout event in the UK’s cultural scene, offering something fresh for both local residents and tourists alike.

Under the direction of Alex Lane, former manager of the Truck Festival, the Show of Hands Festival is designed with a clear vision in mind: to provide a festival that serves the people rather than focusing solely on profit. It is built around the concept of independence and community, with crowdfunding efforts helping to bring this dream to life. As the event gears up for its debut in 2026, the festival has already garnered significant support, reflecting a growing desire for events that foster a sense of belonging and showcase the best of independent music.

The Festival’s Vision: A Grassroots Celebration of Music and Community

The Show of Hands Festival is a celebration that blends jazz music with a community-driven ethos. Located in the heart of Somerset, Bruton offers a stunning backdrop for the festival, with its quaint charm and scenic views. The rolling hills of the region are not only the perfect setting for outdoor performances but also serve as a symbol of the event’s connection to the local community. The festival organizers have intentionally chosen a location that reflects the values of independence and local spirit, making it clear that this event is about more than just music—it’s about building relationships and celebrating local culture.

By rejecting corporate sponsorship, the festival aims to stay true to its grassroots nature, focusing on supporting independent artists and fostering an atmosphere of authenticity. The decision to avoid sponsorship is a deliberate one, ensuring that the festival remains free from commercial influence and stays focused on its core mission: to create a space for people to enjoy music and celebrate together. This independent approach not only reflects the values of the festival but also strengthens its connection with the local community.

In its first year, the Show of Hands Festival has already exceeded expectations. The crowdfunding campaign to fund the event was a resounding success, highlighting the strong desire for a new kind of festival experience—one that is community-oriented, independent, and accessible to all. The festival’s growing support before it even begins speaks to the demand for grassroots music events in the UK, which offer a more intimate and personal experience than large-scale commercial festivals.

Music at the Heart of the Festival: A Focus on Jazz and Up-and-Coming Talent

At the core of the Show of Hands Festival is its musical offering, with a particular focus on jazz and other genres that celebrate creativity, improvisation, and collaboration. The festival aims to showcase a range of musical talent, from local acts to emerging artists, with an emphasis on diversity and originality. It is designed to be a platform for up-and-coming musicians to share their music with a supportive and engaged audience, helping to nurture the next generation of talent in the UK music scene.

The choice to focus on jazz is a deliberate one, as the genre provides a rich foundation for creative exploration and collaboration. Jazz, with its roots in African American culture and its evolution into a global musical form, embodies the spirit of innovation and community. By prioritizing jazz, the festival brings a fresh cultural energy to Somerset, allowing visitors to experience the power of live music in an intimate and immersive setting. From improvised performances to soulful melodies, the festival promises to provide an unforgettable auditory experience for both local residents and tourists.

In addition to jazz, the festival will feature a variety of other genres, reflecting the eclectic tastes of the organizers and the community they serve. This blend of musical styles allows the festival to cater to a wide range of tastes, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The emphasis on grassroots music creates an environment where local talent can thrive, and visitors can experience the rich diversity of the UK music scene in one place.

How Show of Hands Festival Enhances Local Tourism and Economy

The Show of Hands Festival represents a significant opportunity for local tourism in Somerset. As a smaller, grassroots music festival, it is designed to attract a more intimate audience while still providing an enriching experience that encourages visitors to explore Somerset beyond just the event itself. The festival’s focus on community and local culture means that it has the potential to drive visitors to explore the surrounding areas, discover local businesses, and enjoy the unique charm of Bruton and its neighbors.

By drawing people from across the UK and abroad, the Show of Hands Festival helps to boost Somerset’s tourism industry, particularly in areas like hospitality, retail, and dining. As attendees stay in local accommodations, dine at nearby restaurants, and shop at local markets, the festival provides a direct economic benefit to the region. This kind of tourism not only supports local businesses but also helps to promote Somerset as a vibrant cultural destination, attracting future visitors who may return for the next edition of the festival or other cultural events in the area.

Moreover, the festival’s crowdfunding model has fostered a sense of community investment and pride in the region. As locals and visitors come together to support the event, it strengthens the connection between the city’s cultural scene and its tourism industry. The festival’s success demonstrates how grassroots events can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cultural tourism in smaller towns and cities across the UK.

A Festival for All Ages: Family-Friendly and Accessible to Everyone

One of the most exciting aspects of the Show of Hands Festival is its family-friendly nature. Designed to be accessible to all ages, the festival provides a welcoming space for families to come together and enjoy live music in a safe and relaxed environment. The emphasis on community and inclusivity ensures that everyone, from young children to older generations, can experience the joy of live music and connect with others.

With activities and performances catering to a wide range of interests, the festival is designed to foster a sense of belonging and connection among all attendees. Families can enjoy the music together, while younger audiences have the chance to engage with the festival through interactive events and performances tailored to their age group. The Show of Hands Festival promotes the idea of music as a universal language that brings people together, regardless of age, background, or experience.

The Future of Show of Hands Festival: Expanding and Evolving

Looking ahead, the Show of Hands Festival has the potential to grow into one of the UK’s most beloved cultural events. Its success in its first year will likely set the stage for future editions that continue to focus on grassroots music, community-building, and cultural exchange. As the festival grows, it could attract even more international talent, larger audiences, and a wider variety of music genres, all while maintaining its core values of independence and support for local artists.

The festival also has the potential to become a key fixture in Somerset’s tourism calendar, bringing new visitors to the region every year. As more people discover the Show of Hands Festival and its unique blend of music, community, and cultural exploration, it will likely inspire more events of its kind across the UK, encouraging a greater focus on independent festivals that prioritize local culture and sustainability.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Somerset’s Cultural Scene

The Show of Hands Festival in 2026 represents a new chapter for Somerset’s cultural and tourism industries. By focusing on grassroots music, community spirit, and the celebration of jazz, the festival brings a fresh, exciting energy to the region. With its family-friendly atmosphere, commitment to supporting local artists, and growing support from the community, the Show of Hands Festival is poised to become a staple in the UK’s festival calendar for years to come. For tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences, this festival offers a chance to explore the best of Somerset while enjoying some of the most exciting up-and-coming musical talent in the UK.