GWYL PORTMEIRION FESTIVAL: Jools Holland & His R&B Orchestra

Portmeirion is delighted to welcome Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra during the village’s centenary year.  The band hardly needs an introduction, given their regular performances across the UK, visiting some of the country's most iconic venues, including London's Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, O2 Apollo Manchester, and Glasgow's SEC Armadillo. Joining Jools and the Orchestra as a special guest for every will be one of the UK's most celebrated soul voices, Roachford. Since his breakthrough hit Cuddly Toy topped the UK charts in 1988, Roachford has released 10 studio albums, been sought after as a songwriter by Michael Jackson, Joss Stone and Chaka Khan, and built a reputation as an outstanding live performer.  Awarded an MBE for Services to Music, Roachford continues to perform at the very top of his game. His recent releases, including Twice in a Lifetime and Then and Now, have been met with widespread acclaim, and his live shows are celebrated for their warmth, soul and emotional connection. Fans will be thrilled to hear that the show will also feature the incredible Ruby Turner, the Boogie Woogie Queen, as well as the outstanding vocals of Louise Marshall, and Sumudu Jayatilaka. Together with the skilful musicianship of the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Jools Holland will be performing songs from throughout his career. With a catalogue of classics to choose from, the evening promises to be an unforgettable event. The Welsh marching brass band Llareggub, (named after a fictional village created by Dylan Thomas - ‘bugger all’ spelt backwards) will entertain the audience from 6pm to 7pm when the main event is scheduled to start. Bring a chair, bring a picnic, it will be a memorable evening.