Staffordshire singer to perform at Proms and Prosecco in the Park event

The 14-year-old from Yarnfield in Staffordshire, who started singing at the age of five when she joined her primary school choir, is hoping the appearance will help project her musical career to the next level.

The youngster is the latest act to be announced by event organisers Fizz Festivals Ltd, who today also revealed that BBC Music Introducing will be attending the proms at Newport’s Chetwynd Deer Park on September 8.

Esther Wright, event founder and director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Olivia to the proms line-up. As we’ve said before this event is about showcasing the UK’s broad talent of artists and this means bringing together top performers and local singers onto the same stage.

“At just 14-years of age Olivia is a very talented singer-songwriter and we think the audience will love her voice and musical style. She will be performing a range of her own songs and some more well-known covers in her unique style.

“For Olivia and some of our other local acts having BBC Music Introducing at the event will be an extremely big deal. The platform has helped launch the careers of previously unsigned and undiscovered artists such as George Ezra, Ed Sheeran, Florence and the Machine and Little Simz, so it’s a fantastic opportunity for performers to get recognised.”

Highlights of some of the day's performances at the prom are set to be broadcast on BBC Shropshire Introducing between 8pm and 10pm on September 8.

Olivia, who will be singing at her former primary school teacher’s wedding this summer, has already performed at the Stone Music Festival and Alsager Music Festival and she will also be on stage at Staffordshire’s Middle of Nowhere Music Festival on Sunday, July 29.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to Proms and Prosecco in the Park. It’s a very different kind of event to what I’ve performed at before so it should be really exciting.

“Knowing that BBC Music Introducing will be there recording some of the performances will also provide a fantastic opportunity for my music to be heard by a much wider audience. I’m still at the very start of my journey as a singer so being seen and heard is a big deal.”

Olivia, who also plays the guitar, started her musical career performing at regular open mic nights, weddings and events.

Inspired by well-known artists Mylie Cyrus and Ed Sheeran, the youngster who attends St Joseph’s College, hopes one day to land a record deal.

She said: “I’ve always wanted to be a musician and sing so to be able to do what I love and enjoy as a career would be fantastic. But, if it doesn’t happen that won’t stop me singing for enjoyment.”

Proms and Prosecco in the Park organisers have already announced much of the musical line-up which will be led by British soprano Mary-Jess, Downton Abbey songstress and winner of the Chinese ‘X-Factor’.

She will be joined by acclaimed tenor Jack Foley and adding a real edge to this year’s line-up is String Infusion, an all-female string quartet known for their acoustic and electric string performances in pop/rock/classical crossover style.

A range of other talented local performers from across the region will also take to the stage including the renowned Newport Male Voice Choir and A Choired Taste from Market Drayton.

Prom-goers are invited to take along their own picnics and seating. Food and drink will also be available from a range of artisan traders and there will be free activities for the children including bushcraft den building sessions.

Ms Wright said: “The event is gearing up to be another spectacular occasion. We have already sold more than 1,000 tickets and with the school holidays starting we are expected a further surge in sales as people start to make firmer plans for the summer months ahead.”

Gates will open at 2pm with music for all the family playing from 3pm until 9pm.

To book tickets priced £28 and £27 for groups of 10 or more visit the website www.fizzfestivals.com. Children under the age of 13 go free. Tickets are available until August 31.