Pianist and TV host Jools Holland has added an extra Kent date to his run of shows this summer.

The former Squeeze musician will perform at Folkestone’s Leas Cliff Hall later this year, in addition to two previously announced dates in the county.

Fans can now catch the bandleader at the seaside venue on Wednesday, June 26 before he heads to Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre on Thursday, June 27 and Friday, June 28.

Jools will be joined by his 20-piece Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, which features former Squeeze drummer Gilson Lavis and renowned vocalist Ruby Turner.

The local musician, who now lives in the village of Cooling near Rochester, began his career as a founding member of rock band Squeeze alongside vocalist Glenn Tilbrook and guitarist Chris Difford.

Squeeze, who are also set to perform in Folkestone in November as part of their 50th anniversary tour, released a string of successful singles throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, such as Up the Junction, Cool for Cats, Another Nail in My Heart and Hourglass.

In 1980 Jools, who played keyboard in the band, left the group to release solo material and present live music TV show The Tube with Paula Yates.

In 1987, the Jools Holland’s Big Band was first formed and, since then, it has grown into a large touring orchestra.

Since 2006, the performer has also become known for Jools' Annual Hootenanny, a TV show broadcast on New Year’s Eve in which Jools and his orchestra are joined by a range of musical guests.

In 2023, the show was filmed at the Maidstone Studios and featured Rod Stewart, Sugababes, Raye and Joss Stone.

Tickets go on sale for Jools’ Leas Cliff Hall date on Friday, February 2 at 10am and can be purchased online here.

The last remaining tickets for the Canterbury shows are also on sale from the Marlowe Theatre website or by calling 01227 787787.