LEGENDARY musician Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will be performing in Taunton as part of a series of music events in August next year.

The renowned pianist, singer, composer, broadcaster and television entertainer will take centre stage at Somerset Rocks at an open air performance at Vivary Park on Sunday, August 28, supporting St Margaret’s Hospice.

He will be joined on stage by Gilson Lavis along with special guests Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson from The Selector and guest vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Mabel Ray.

Jools Holland OBE, said: “I’m excited to be headed to Taunton and to be one of three large acts to be performing during Somerset Rocks. It’s great that live music is becoming more accessible at local venues – it’s going to be special.”

St Margaret’s Somerset Rocks is being promoted and organised with LCC Live, the same partnership that brought veteran rocker Rod Stewart to Taunton in 2014.

Somerset Rocks will host three shows, featuring three different artists, taking place over the August bank holiday weekend.

Claire Kidger, director of LCC Live, said: “We’re thrilled to have secured Jools Holland as the first of three artists for Somerset Rocks. Jools Holland is a legendary musician and is simply superb live and will entertain music lovers of all ages.”

Ann Lee, chief executive of St Margaret’s Hospice, said: “It is wonderful to be part of another major magical music event in the heart of Somerset.”

“We are looking forward to welcoming Jools Holland to Taunton as well as raising awareness of our services as we continue to deliver much needed support to those in the local area living with life-limiting conditions.”

LCC Live is finalising the other two artists for Somerset Rocks’ weekend and will release more information in the coming weeks.

Tickets for Jools Holland go on sale on tomorrow, Friday, 9am priced from £37. Buy them from ticketline.co.uk, call 0844 888 9991, or from St Margaret’s Hospice’s shops across Somerset.