X Factor star Louisa Johnson won’t be that far from home when she steps onto the stage in Kent this weekend.

The 19-year-old youngest winner ever of the ITV talent show – who won in 2015 at the age of 17 – was born in the county and lived in Greenhithe before moving over the bridge to Essex.

She’ll be a short trip down the M20 away for this weekend’s Big Day Out in Maidstone’s Mote Park.

Currently working on her debut album, the singing sensation has released a handful of singles, including one with Olly Murs, who she’ll be teaming up with in the county next week when they play the Spitfire Ground in Canterbury.

On her X Factor win, Louisa says: “It feels like a long time ago,” and gave a clue about the style of her upcoming album: “Best Behaviour is definitely an insight into the songs I’m choosing. It’s quite flirty.”

There will also be another tie-in with Clean Bandit following the smash hit Tears.

Louisa will be giving fans an early listen to some of her new material and possibly, a small request for a bit of backstage bubbly. “I do ask for champagne every time. I have a collection of champagne at home. Sometimes I even ask for it early in the morning,” she reveals.

The summer festival is packed with great live entertainment, including plenty for younger visitors to enjoy.

Dance troupe Diversity will return to the event with new routines, joined by X Factor favourites Reggie ’n’ Bollie – runners up on the same series as Louisa – Atomic Kitten, with Natasha Hamilton, Kerry Katona and Liz McClarnon and tribute act Supreme Queen.

Young visitors to the Big Day Out will be well catered for, with CBeebies’ Mr Bloom performing a stage show and is joined by Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol and CBeebies stars Bing and Flop.

Fairy tale princesses will perform classics to sing along to, from Disney’s Frozen to Beauty and the Beast, and comic superheroes will be roaming the park.

There will also be a circus school for the class (and office) clowns, plus music and dance classes.

DETAILS

Big Day Out will be in Mote Park, Maidstone, on Saturday, July 1 between 11am and 10pm.
Tickets cost from £29.50 to £12 for six to 15-year-olds. To book and for more details go to bigdayoutfestival.com