If you didn’t already know then where have you been over the last few months?

‘Know what’? We hear you ask!

Well only that a certain Mr Boogie Woogie, otherwise known as Jools Holland is coming to Walton Hall and Gardens on 20 July! As he’s not royalty this isn’t a state visit or a visit to cut a ribbon, oh no he’s coming to give us some music!

As you’ll now no doubt be aware Walton is changing – what with the refurbishment of the glasshouses, the uplift of the hall, the renovation of the Heritage Café, Laundry building…the list could go on!

To supplement all of this amazing investment we’re trying to bring you more varied events and we think Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra does just that!

Jools is no stranger to an outdoor concert and is looking forwards to this year’s summer programme which features our very own Gardens – ‘One of the great things about the summer, and playing in the summer, is playing outside. I think the atmosphere of playing outside is just great. I think it’s probably one of the ancient things in the human psyche…’

Well we for one are over the moon that he’s chosen us as one of his venues this summer and it won’t be just Jools who’s coming to Walton on 20 July, oh no – he’s only bringing Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson from The Selecter, a 2 Tone ska band from the late 70’s, early 80’s along with the amazing Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall.

To support all of this talent is Jack Lukeman who’ll be performing at 7.30pm before Jools and the band arrive on stage at 8.30pm. All in all we reckon this will be a night to remember, especially as he comes in a year when we’ll also be celebrating the fantastic rebirth of the Conservatories!

Exciting times indeed at Walton – we hope to see you all on 20 July! Tickets are still available and can be purchased from our events page.

In the words of Jools – ‘Well Alright, OK…’