TOM Jones is to play Scarborough Open Air Theatre on July 2 on his return to the East Coast venue where he first performed in July 2015.

Tickets go on general sale on Friday at 9am on 01723 818111, 01723 383636 and 0844 844 0444; at scarboroughopenairtheatre.com and ticketmaster.co.uk or in person from theatre box office, in Burniston Road, and the Discover Yorkshire Coast Tourism Bureau, Scarborough Town Hall, St Nicholas Street.

"We had a wonderful time," said Sir Tom, recalling his 2015 Scarborough concert, held only days after his York Racecourse Music Showcase Weekend that summer. "I’m looking forward to coming back to this beautiful open-air venue on the Yorkshire coast for another great night of music and good times.”

Peter Taylor, of concert promoters Cuffe and Taylor, said: “Tom is a true music legend and I’m thrilled we are bringing him back to the Open Air Theatre.

“We've done many many gigs with Tom across the UK over the last few years. All have been amazing events, none more so than at Scarborough two years ago. That was a great night and we cannot wait to bring Tom back to this wonderful venue for another night we feel sure will live long in the memory.”

Tom Jones has sold more than 100 million records in a singing career spanning six decades that has brought him 36 Top 40 hits such as Delilah; It's Not Unusual; Green Green Grass Of Home; She's A Lady; What's New Pussycat; Kiss; Sex Bomb and Mama Told Me Not To Come. He was knighted in 2006 and his accolades include a BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music and a Silver Clef Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Cuffe and Taylor have put together Scarborough Open Air Theatre's busiest ever summer diary, taking in The Beach Boys on May 24; Kaiser Chiefs, May 27; The Charlatans, June 16; Michael Ball & Alfie Boe, June 28; Cliff Richard, June 29; UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue, June 30, and George Benson, July 1.

The season continues with Tom Jones, July 2; Little Mix, July 6; Olly Murs, July 9; Madness, August 3; 80s v 90s, with The Human League, Midge Ure, Technotronic, Betty Boo, Johnny Hates Jazz and Living In A Box featuring Kenny Thomas, August 5, and Jess Glynne, August 11. More artists and dates are to be confirmed for the first year of the newly expanded programme.