SALLY Barker reduced Tom Jones, and viewers alike, to tears with her flawless performances on BBC's 'The Voice'.

As a young widow, her music career took a back seat in favour of bringing up her two sons who later persuaded her to enter the competition.

Tom Jones' finalist on the programme, Sally turned down a £75,000 advance and the opportunity to record a covers album for Universal, choosing instead to finish the Poozies' album 'Into the Well' and work on her own material.

Whether she is singing to seven million on TV or to 70 people in a club Sally is the consummate professional.

It is in live performance that Sally thrives and excels.

She has the ability to lift the words off the page as if you were hearing them for the first time, revealing their true meaning.

A seasoned performer, Sally has recorded six solo albums, with songwriting influences from folk, jazz, blues and soul, and is well respected for her work with all-female folk group The Poozies.

Sally's years of touring have included countless support slots; BobDylan, Robert Plant and Sir Tom amongst them.

She also channels the iconic and sadly departed Sandy Denny in the recently re-formed legendary folk-rock band Fotheringay.

Sally will be performing at the Stogumber Festival in September at St Mary's Church.

Stogumber Festival is a celebration of the performing arts.

The Festival will take place from September 2-4, and brings together world class musicians from classical, folk and jazz, together with emerging talent.

Some of the other performers this year include Johnny Mars and Kadia.

Sally's performance takes place at St Mary's Church in Stogumber, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £16/£12, call 08455390168.

Alternatively, festival passes are available for only £75 for all nine events (or £65 for second price seats).

Saturday passes cost £50 and Sunday passes are available at £20.

To buy packages, email stogumberfestival@gmail.com or visit www.stogumberfestival.com