IT may be the festive season, but thoughts were already turning to an exciting programme of summer music yesterday after it was announced that some world-class acts were coming to the region.

IT may be the festive season, but thoughts were already turning to an exciting programme of summer music yesterday after it was announced that some world-class acts were coming to the region.

And more top performers were promised last night as Jools Holland became the first confirmed act of the Forestry Commission's popular annual concerts in Thetford Forest.

News of the return of the king of swing and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra to High Lodge visitor centre on June 6 - six years after his last visit - came as it emerged that pop star Morrissey is set to play a sold- out gig at the Yarmouth Hippodrome in May.

And, with Boy George headlining a 1980s party at Blickling Hall later in the summer, the region is already bracing itself for a busy entertainments calendar for 2009.

Officials from the Forestry Commission yesterday hailed the return of Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, which became the first confirmed name on its summer tour schedule at High Lodge, near Thetford.

The popular musician will return with drummer Gilson Lavis, guest star Dave Edmunds and guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall next year.

The collective of talented performers have become established as one of the most prolific acts in the UK, creating their own unique big band sound playing a mix of boogie-woogie, rhythm and blues, swing, and jazz, and play an average of 100 live shows a year to audiences in excess of 250,000.

Their latest album release, The Informer, is a true showcase of the Rhythm and Blues Orchestra's musicianship, reflecting the party atmosphere of their live shows.

And with a string of classic hits in the 1970s, special guest Dave Edmunds is set to bring some rock and roll to the proceedings.

Five more acts will be announced over the coming months for the concerts in June and July, which will help fund improvements to Thetford Forest Park.

Peter Rawlinson, from High Lodge, said: “We are delighted to have secured a date with Jools who last appeared at the venue to a sell-out crowd in 2003.

The concert will be supporting the Forestry Commission's valuable social and environmental programmes and should prove a welcome return for his fans across East Anglia.”

- Tickets are £32 (subject to booking fee) and go on general sale from 9am on Friday from the ticket hotline on 01842 814612 or online from www.forestry.gov.uk/music