Synth-pop star to headline festival in homecoming gig

The 1980s synth-pop star Howard Jones says he will "pull out all the stops" when he headlines a festival in his hometown this summer, his only UK show of the year.

Jones had hits including What Is Love?, New Song and No One Is to Blame, plus a 1984 UK number one album Human's Lib.

He will top Electric Summer, a one-day 1980s synth-pop festival at Vivary Park in Taunton on 30 August, with Heaven 17 and Blancmange also on the bill.

Jones said: "I will be pulling out all the stops for Electric Summer because it's my hometown and I want everyone to have the best night ever and so that's what I'm gonna give them."

He added: "I'm very excited to be playing in Vivary Park.

"I've lived here over 21 years - and I've got a lot of friends in Taunton that, you know, have never seen me live and I feel a great connection with the south west.

"I'll probably be able to ride a bicycle home to my house it's so close, which is a very rare thing."

Jones will be supported by fellow 1980s synth-pop artists Heaven 17, best known for the single Temptation which reached number two in the UK charts, and Blancmange, who had a string of four top 20 hits in the same era.

"These are two bands that I know well - we've worked together on various festivals and tours as well as back in the day," said Jones.

"You know obviously I followed their music like everyone else but it's so great to have them joining this gig in Taunton it's going to be a great night."

He added: "I really can't wait to see them again."

Electric Summer will also feature several contemporary synthpop bands, including Bristol alt band Mesh, Neon Fields, who take their inspiration from Gary Numan, and Depeche Mode, and Hungarian band Black Nail Cabaret.

Festival organiser Jez Damsell said: "It's a dream come true to create an event which not just celebrates that era, but also introduces some brilliant newer artists who loved the legends themselves and have gone on to create their own fantastic music."

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.