THE Hoosiers are set to headline the 2025 Test Fest in Taunton.
The band, which formed in the US but is now based in Somerset, will top the bill at Taunton Rugby Club on June 21 next year.
Test Fest is a music festival run in aid of the It’s in the Bag Cancer Support charity, which supports men diagnosed with, and recovering from, testicular cancer.
The Hoosiers have been a staple of the indie music scene in recent years, and are set to hit the road to mark 15 years since the release of their second album, The Illusion of Safety, in 2025.
They shot to stardom on the back of hits including Goodbye Mr A and their debut single, Worried About Ray, which reached number 5 in the UK Singles Chart.
“Test Fest is a music festival with a message – the only one of its kind in the UK and maybe the world,” said an event spokesperson.
“Most testicular cancer awareness campaigns focus on sport, colleges, universities and workplaces.
“However, stats reveal that young men are the largest group of attendees at music festivals, so why not focus on music to encourage awareness?”
The festival has recently been recognised in the UK Festival Awards, Stand Out Magazine and BISFF Film Awards and the charity was a finalist in the Somerset Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
Charity founder and event organiser, Sue Brand, said: “2025 is It’s in the Bag’s 10th birthday as an independent charity and what a great way to celebrate with The Hoosiers being our headliner.
“There are a few more exciting bands and artists to come, so don’t miss out on tickets. This year more than any we encourage you to buy early.”
The aim of the event is to encourage people to attend from all over the south west and do like at any other festival; watch bands, eat, drink, catch up with friends and have a good time.
Meanwhile, the team in the background talks about the importance of self-checking, sells merchandise with charity messages on them and talk to attendees about what the charity does and how it helps.
“By the end of the day, there are many wearing our T-Shirts and bright orange pants on the outside,” the spokesperson added.
“Test Fest also has another purpose. Many survivors and their families attend and catch up with those who have had treatment, just diagnosed and still receiving treatment.
“This is like a mini testicular cancer family and seeing those great conversations tell us that we are doing the right thing.”
Leave a Reply