SINGER Shani Cherry, who moved to London to pursue a career in music, is returning back to Swindon to perform at The Castle in Prospect Place.

The 26-year-old former Commonweal School student, who lived in Old Town, has brushed shoulders with the likes of Jessie J and released her first EP Shani Cherry: Lost in Wonderland earlier this year.

And to say thank you for all the support from friends and family she is organising a show on Saturday from 8pm. It will see Shani and talented unsigned London artists perform, including Boy Nash, Kay Doggz and Jay Scriptz.

Shani said: “I'm so excited to finally do my first headline show in my hometown and also so close to my childhood home.

“It's so exciting for me, so many friends and supporters can't make it to London for my shows so I brought it to them and I can't wait. You won't get anywhere in this industry unless they see you have support and I thought what better place than my home.

“The event is free because I just want people to be able to come and be a part of the experience.”

She added: “For a while I really struggled to find my feet and a lot of people were worried about me but I knew I had to be in London to make things happen. I stuck it out and over time I started making friends and learning about the music industry.

"It took time and dedication, I had to really step out my comfort zone and really just be myself. I realised that was my selling point, no gimmicks and no silliness - just me. "People liked that so I just worked on my performance skills, gathered as much feedback and possible and worked."

Shani, who is working with a new producer for her next project to be released next year, will also be selling physical copies of her EP on the night.