Jools Holland: Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod the 'best festival in the world'

The former Squeeze pianist, band leader, author, TV and radio presenter and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra starred in the final concert to bring the curtain down on this year's festival

The concert also featured guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall and was sponsored by long-time festival supporters, the Village Bakery.

Managing director Robin Jones said: "We were delighted to be sponsoring the Llangollen Eisteddfod again this year, especially as it was the 70th ever festival.

"Jools and his band brought the house down, it was an absolutely phenomenal night that will live in the memory for a long, long time. The atmosphere was electric and there were people dancing in the aisles. It was the perfect end to a fantastic week at Llangollen."

Jools had vowed to return to Llangollen following his first appearance at the festival three years ago and after being made a vice president.

He said: "I was delighted and honoured to be asked to become a vice president of this remarkable festival. It is the best festival in the world. We had a wonderful time when we last performed in Llangollen which is such a beautiful little town. I loved the atmosphere, flowers, the appreciative audience and we met some fabulous people. It was an honour to appear.

"The standard of young musicians and dancers who travel from all over the world to appear at Llangollen is testament to the organisers and volunteers who put in all the hard work to put the festival together."

The festival's musical director, Eilir Owen Griffiths, was thrilled to have secured Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra's second appearance at Llangollen. He said: "Jools Holland is not only a wonderful keyboard and piano player and singer; he is a real showman.

"This was a very special celebration because it was the 70th festival. The audience was up on its feet and there was an encore and standing ovation."