Newark Festival 2017: Fleur East looking forward to town date

Singing star Fleur East has hinted she may debut new material when she performs at Newark Festival this summer.

Fleur became a nationwide name following a breakthrough performance of Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ classic Uptown Funk on the 2014 series of the X Factor, in which she finished runner-up.

Sax, the lead single from her debut album Love, Sax And Flashbacks, reached number three in the charts.

There have been rumours about the release of her next album and the Londoner said those attending her Saturday performance at Newark Fest-ival could be among the first to hear some of the tracks.

“I might just give the crowd a taster of some new music,” she said.

“I will be releasing a few singles this year to give people a taster of what is to come and then the album will follow.

“If it is ready, I definitely won’t hold back. Watch this space.”

Newark Festival runs from June 16 to 18, with tribute acts launching the event on the Friday evening.

Fleur will perform during the day on Saturday followed by Level 42 and UBFO featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue in the evening.

There will be more music on Sunday, a family fun day, with Swing In The Park.

Fleur said fans could expect a high-energy, passionate show.

Mh3> 'A full-on party experience' She said: “I love performing on stage at a festival ­— it’s the best feeling. The crowds are out to have a good time and the energy from them spurs me on to give the best performance.

“It will be a full-on party experience. I will be dancing with a team of dancers and having as much fun on stage as possible. It will be a huge party.”

Fleur said while she drew inspiration from several artists, one in particular stood out.

“Michael Jackson is my main inspiration. Even today, I feel his music is still some of the greatest around,” she said.

“Artists like Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and Beyonce inspire me as performers. I love to entertain and they are all amazing performers.

“Rag‘n’Bone man’s voice is incredible and I love Dua Lipa’s song Be The One.”

The festival will be Fleur’s first visit to Newark. She said she hoped to visit the castle if she had time.

Tickets for Newark Festival can be ordered at www.newark festival.co.uk or from Newark Town Hall.