Plymouth Sessions won't go ahead next year

Promoter is axing some cities

Plymouth won’t be hosting a third year of star-studded Summer Sessions in 2026, it’s been confirmed.

The events which brought the likes of Snow Patrol, Tom Jones, Sting, James and Blondie to the Hoe for a musical extravaganza were enjoyed by thousands during their four-day festival runs in 2024 and 2025.

But Plymouth City Council, which reported hugely positive feedback, said the city won’t be part of the 2026 series due to promoters Cuffe and Taylor scaling back on locations across the UK.

The sessions were run in association with global entertainment company Live Nation.

City council cabinet member for events and community safety Cllr Sally Haydon said: “We had two brilliant years of Summer Sessions which was enjoyed by thousands of music lovers from Plymouth and further afield.

“We heard THE Bryan Adams tell us about visiting his grandparents in Plymstock, watched the peerless Sting perform and Blondie let rip as part of a stellar line up to wow the crowds in the first year.

“Last year it was the legends James who stormed the stage as well as Pendulum and Snow Patrol. These were great, memorable nights and we’d like to thank promoters Cuffe and Taylor for putting these shows on.

“Unfortunately, Cuffe and Taylor have decided to scale back on Summer Sessions locations across the UK next year and sadly this means Plymouth won’t be part of the 2026 series.

“Like many of the punters, we are disappointed but understand their decision, particularly against a backdrop of increasing costs for music promoters and the music industry in general.”

Cllr Haydon said the council wanted to see live music flourish in Plymouth and was actively looking at other potential events for the future.

More than 50,000 people attended the first Summer Sessions on the Hoe, after which Plymouth City Council leader Tudor Evans said he wanted to negotiate and secure a five-year deal with Live Nation.

He said the Hoe provided a perfect backdrop for the event.