Taunton’s most popular music festival is this year shortlisted in the UK Festival Awards awards. Test Fest music festival organised by It’s in the Bag has been recognised for its approach to men’s health in the category in The Sarah Nulty Community Impact Award.
There is no better time to find out too, as November is Men’s Health Month. The Test Fest is a music festival that promotes men’s health and raises awareness of testicular cancer, with the aim of saving lives. It is the only music festival of its kind in the UK and probably the only festival where it is absolutely normal for people to routinely wear orange pants on the outside.
This small but perfectly formed music festival takes place on Saturday 21st June at Taunton RFC, Somerset, and probably punches a bit above its weight. The festival is going from strength to strength and the team are determined that is succeeds in 2025 as the charity is celebrating its 10th birthday.
Not only is it about cancer awareness, but many survivors and their families attend and catch up with those who have had treatment, those just diagnosed or those still receiving treatment. This is like a mini Testicular Cancer family and seeing those great conversations tell IITB that they are doing the right thing.
The Festival has recently been recognised in Stand Out Magazine and BISFF Film Awards and the charity was finalists in the Somerset Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
Charity founder and event organiser Sue Brand says:
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 Headline. It has been a difficult time for Independent Music Festivals and Test Fest is no different, so to be recognised for our work is brilliant. This year more than any we encourage you to buy early.
The 2025 line-up includes headliners The Hoosiers plus Break Beat Bandits, The Jamestown Brothers, Whisky Embers, The Kahunas, Lewis Poole, The Kabins, Sebastian & Me and The Rock Choir. BRAND NEW Bandstand Stage includes: Richard Huish College Bands, Peck N Peck, The Priddice Brothers and much more. Friday campers are treated to a full DJ set including DJ Tyler Hale. Supported by patrons: Ali Vowles, Artist Jon Dixon and Nutty Noah – Family Entertainer.