Jools Holland named as Llangollen Eisteddfod vice president

The former Squeeze pianist, band leader, author, TV and radio presenter spoke of his pleasure in being offered the honorary role for the 70th event - two years after his last appearance there.

He said: "I was delighted and honoured to be asked to become a vice president of this remarkable festival.

"We had a wonderful time when we last performed in Llangollen. I loved the atmosphere, flowers, the appreciative audience and we met some fabulous people.

"The festival was set up to promote peace and harmony among all nations after World War Two ended, which I think is wonderful."

Jools and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will be bringing down the curtain on the 70th eisteddfod on Sunday, July 10, with tickets on sale from this Monday.

Plans for the 2016 event are already well advanced, with classical singer Katherine Jenkins also booked for the opening concert on Tuesday, July 5.

She will be performing a concert adaptation of Georges Bizet's opera, Carmen.

The festival's musical director, Eilir Owen Griffiths, said: "We still have other big names to announce but in Jools Holland and Katherine Jenkins we couldn't started with two bigger stars.

"The 2016 Llangollen International Eisteddfod is going to be a special celebration as it will be the 70th festival.

"Jools Holland is not only a wonderful keyboard and piano player and singer, he is a showman.

"His performance two years ago when he closed the week-long festival was simply amazing and so many people, regular supporters of the eisteddfod, asked that we invite them back. And I'm delighted we have been able to do just that.

For more information and to buy tickets go to www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk/