Gary Barlow to be P&O brand ambassador and musical director of The 710 Club on Iona

British pop star Gary Barlow will be the new brand ambassador for P&O Cruises, as well as musical director of The 710 Club aboard its new mega-ship Iona, the cruise line has announced.

In a statement, the cruise line said the former Take That member will make Iona’s intimate music bar “the most exciting live music venue at sea”, with an eclectic range of performances, curated to appeal to British music lovers.

It is envisioned that the atmospheric late-night music venue aboard the massive new cruise ship will offer an opportunity for up-and-coming musicians to get their break.

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“We are immensely proud to have someone of Gary’s stature and talent working with us as brand ambassador,” said Paul Ludlow, President, P&O Cruises.

“Gary’s impressive career speaks for itself and he will bring his vision and personality to our new The 710 Club; from guiding the resident band, selecting future performers and playlists and even shaping the interiors and signature cocktails,” he added.

Barlow will also perform at Iona’s naming celebration which kicks off IonaFest, the UK’s new floating festival, a seven night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords from Southampton on July 4^th, 2020.

“We’re excited that our guests can be a part of it and they will have the opportunity to watch Gary light up Iona’s theatre for some extraordinary performances in dazzling surroundings,” said Ludlow. “This collaboration highlights our commitment to providing world-class entertainment on Iona that places music firmly at its heart.”

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Gary Barlow in a prepared statement said he plans to make The 710 Club a celebration of great music and talent.

“As its musical director, I want to give a unique experience for people who love music as much as I do,” he said. “Music has been such a massive part of my life – and taken me on so many journeys and adventures. I’m hoping to pass this on to all the guests in my club.”

P&O’s new cruise ship Iona is due for launch in May this year. At 183,900-gross tons and carrying 5,200 passengers, she was built at a cost of almost US $1-billion and is the largest cruise ship ever built and designed for the British market.

With a choice of 30 different bar and restaurant venues, Iona’s guests will enjoy the widest ever selection of places to eat and drink on a ship built exclusively for the British cruise holiday market.