LOCALLY-born international jazz star Clare Teal will be one of the highlights at next month's Fallfest.

Clare, who is originally from Kildwick, will be on stage for the Saturday night headline concert - and tickets have already sold out.

She developed an interest in jazz from an early age, through her father's collection of 78rpm records.

Her break came when she was asked to stand in for Stacey Kent at a weekend festival in Llandrindod Wells.

This led to a three-album contract with the jazz-specialist label Candid Records. Her popularity soared, with appearances on radio and television bringing her to the attention of a wider public. This eventually led to her being signed by Sony in what was the biggest recording deal by any British jazz singer.

Her 2004 album Don't Talk reached number one in the UK Jazz Chart on Sony Records, and number 20 in the mainstream UK Albums Chart. In 2005 she won the award of British jazz vocalist of the year.

The fifth Fallfest Festival runs from Friday, September 11, to Sunday, September 13 and the main venue is Glusburn Community and Arts Centre.

However, some of the Saturday daytime events will take place in the field just across from the community and arts centre.

A festival spokesman added: "We have a farmers and local crafts market with over 30 stalls attending, children's fairground, our big outside stage with live music, plus our competitions – the great Fallfest Bakeoff and the weirdest veg competition.

"As with every year, our outside stage showcases some of the best in local up and coming music.

"This year we have picked some fantastic bands and artists to showcase, including The Atiks, a local three-piece band from Cononley who have been friends since primary school.

"They have been playing together for years and have recently appeared in a big gig with the Cononley Singers."

For further information, visit fallfest.co.uk or call 08438 868949