CHART-topper Eddi Reader will launch her new album at Fareham's Easter Folk Festival.

The singer, who had a number one with former band Fairground Attraction, is thought to be the first artist to unveil a new recording in the town.

A special concert is being staged on the opening night of the festival tomorrow when Ms Reader will showcase the new songs.

The new material is based on the writings of Scottish poet Robert Burns and was recorded with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

She said: "I sang a Burns song to a bunch of 'worse for the drink' people in a bar in Glasgow one cold January night.

"The response and my own love since childhood for the songs of Robert Burns made me decide to record a whole album of Burns songs with the backing of a full Scottish orchestra.

"The album was recorded in February and my concert in Fareham will be my first chance to showcase the album prior to its release in May."

The exclusive preview is a coup for organisers who are predicted another successful festival that is also including performances from the Saw Doctors, Ian Anderson and Lindisfarne.

More than 300 musicians from around the world are booked to perform at the event that is being staged at Ferneham Hall and Ashcroft Arts Centre over the Easter weekend. The annual event is expected to attract around 10,000 people according to organisers, breaking all previous box office sales.

Doubt was cast over the festival after the usual venue for artists to stay, the Belle Vue in Lee-on-the-Solent, was sold off by owners for housing development.

But the festival was secured after the Red Lion hotel in Fareham stepped in with an offer of accommodation for artists and will also host a third festival stage that will be the venue for the Late Night Festival Club.

Contact Ferneham Hall on 01329 231942 or www.gosportfestival.co.uk for more information and bookings.