Three Degrees make a return to Weston's Grand Pier

SINGING sensations Three Degrees, are to perform on Weston-super-Mare's Grand Pier this summer.

The band, which formed in 1963 in Philadelphia, will be performing on the seafront landmark for a second time on July 5.

The group, which are visiting the resort as part of their 50th anniversary tour, last appeared in the resort in October 2011 after being contacted by avid fans Richard Buckner and Gary Langdale, performing to a sell out crowd.

Richard and Gary, who run the Weston based energy surveying business, A1 Home Inspectors, became friends with the Three Degrees after years of attending their concerts all over the world, and were delighted when the trio agreed to perform at Grand Pier.

The group will be returning to Weston as part of its 50th anniversary tour.

Over the years the trio has changed but their most successful line-up included Valerie Holiday, Helen Scott and Shelia Ferguson.

That line-up performed for Prince Charles at his 30th birthday party and attended the pre-wedding party before his marriage to Lady Diana Spencer.

The line-up that will play the concert on the Grand Pier will be Helen Scott who joined the group in 1963, Valerie Holiday, who joined the group in 1967 and former Lady of the Supremes, who is a relatively new addition, Freddie Pool.

The Three Degrees 1974 single "When Will I See You Again?" was a huge international hit, peaking at Number Two in the US and topping the UK Singles Chart.

Grand Pier owner Kerry Michael said: "I am absolutely delighted the Three Degrees have agreed to return here as part of their 50th anniversary tour.

"We have seen famous performers like The Drifters and Jim  Davidson return to the Grand Pier for a second time in recent months.

"I always envisaged us becoming a major venue in the South West and I am very excited that we are now attracting world-class acts".

A Motown tribute band will support the Three Degrees. Details will be announced soon and tickets for the Three Degrees will go on sale shortly.

Further details will be announced on the pier web site www.grandpier.co.uk and on Facebook and Twitter.