When Jools Holland brings his friends along to support him at his upcoming gigs in Kent, Mel C is bound to generate a lot of excitement.

The former Spice Girl is among the guests who will feature in two shows next month (May) at Tunbridge Wells' Assembly Hall Theatre on Friday, May 9, and at Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre on Thursday, May 15, then at Margate Winter Gardens on Friday, August 29. Other special guests will include Ruby Turner, Marc Almond and Louise Marshall.

In 1987 Jools formed The Jools Holland Big Band, comprising himself and Gilson Lavis. This has gradually metamorphosed into the current 20-piece Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which consists of pianist, organist, drummer, three female vocals, guitar, bass guitar, two tenor saxophones, two alto saxophones, baritone saxophone, three trumpets, and four trombones.

Tickets for the Tunbridge Wells concert are already on sale here and for the Canterbury show on sale here.

Tickets for the Margate Winter Gardens performance will go on sale here this Thursday, April 17 .