AFTER three years the soul is returning to Rhyl's summer headline event.

Following the success of Seaside Soul in 2016, thousands are expected to head to Rhyl events arena for the soul themed music on Sunday, August 18.

The town's annual free event, Seaside Soul is organised by Denbighshire County Council and supported by Rhyl Town Council celebrates the music of some iconic bands.

Rhyl mayor cllr Ellie Chard said: “Arena Fest will bring a bumper day of soul music to Rhyl.

"With another great line-up of bands and DJs, the event promises to have something for everyone and Rhyl’s seafront is definitely the place to be this summer with events galore.

"Rhyl Town Council is delighted to be supporting another soulful Sunday and we look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to the events’ arena.”

This year’s event will feature live entertainment from Jimmy James & The Vagabonds, The Edwin Starr Band ‘The Team’ featuring Angelo Starr, Precious Wilson and Midnight Soul Supremes as well as guest DJ’s.

Headliner Jimmy James is best known as the lead singer of Jamaica band The Vagabonds whose 1966 album The New Religion is now legendary and for his recording of Neil Diamond’s Red Red Wine in 1969 - taken from the Vagabonds’ second album Open Up Your Soul - which was the band's first hit record.

Joining James is American singer, musician and record producer Angelo Starr - the younger brother of the late soul singer Edwin Starr - who has stepped up to front his brother’s touring band The Team.

Precious Wilson started out as a backing singer for the all-male group Eruption and in 1977 which became the backing band of Boney M and their hits I Can’t Stand the Rain and One Way Ticket.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, who is Lead Member for the Economy, said: “This is one of the summer’s headline events in Rhyl and music fans are in for a real treat.

“The summer programme of events attracts thousands of visitors to the town, making a significant contribution to the local economy and we are sure that Summer Soul will be a sensational show”.

For further information please contact Rhyl Tourist Information Centre on 01745 355068.