A SINGER from Overton is preparing to perform on stage at a summer festival in her hometown.

Miel De Botton will perform at CarFest South, being held at Laverstoke Park Farm over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

It is only the second festival Miel has performed at, after making her debut at Camp Bestival on July 31.

The mother-of-two swapped a career in psychology for one on the stage, and last year recorded her debut album Magnetic.

She has since sold out venues across London, including Southbank Centre's Purcell Room, and toured with John Barrowman and Rhydian.

The 48-year-old has attended CarFest for the last three years with her children, watching acts on stage.

But this year, she will be the one entertaining the crowds, singing songs in both English and French.

She said it has been her dream to perform at the festival, adding: "I thought, I wish I could be up there, performing well, with crowds cheering me on and applauding, defying the outdoor acoustics which are clearly challenging. I had this dream of playing to large audiences all my life."

Miel will perform will a full band, including keyboard, double bass, guitar and drums, and will be accompanied by backing vocals and saxaphone.

Known for performing uplifting and inspiring songs, the singer has been rehearsing for the festival, adding: "I have been having vocal coaching and trying to rest my voice as much as possible and trying to keep healthy despite the changes in weather.

"Mentally, I have been getting in the mood by looking at pictures of festivals and practising some special dance moves.

"Spiritually I have been trying to keep calm and centred - generally, I isolate myself. I might go for a lovely walk in the park at first with no music or distractions, just taking in the nature.

"I always finish in a quiet room at home by myself, resting and in the moment. If I do this for a length of time, I find my breathing calms, I see white and yellow, sometimes purple lights with my eyes closed and I regenerate."

Miel will be watched by her children at CarFest, who are attending the festival.

"They haven't given me any advice so far but the fact they are coming means a lot to me. They are of the age to refuse doing anything they don't want to," she said.