The internationally renowned Hay Festival, which sold 250,000 tickets in 2016, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. On Tuesday, May 30th, Ross-on-Wye singer/songwriter April Shipton was one of four local acts to perform her songs live at the event for BBC Introducing in Hereford & Worcester.

The 500 tickets for the ‘BBC Introducing Live Sessions’ quickly sold out, but it’s not too late to listen as recordings from the performances and exclusive artist interviews will be broadcast on BBC Hereford & Worcester radio later in the month.

“It was my first seriously scary gig,” said 25 year old April, who sings about her Christian faith. “I had never actually performed my own songs before, I usually sing covers that people will recognise.

“I’ve never felt such persistent performance anxiety, and found that really tough. But I’m so grateful to everyone who prayed and came and supported us, because as soon as I stepped onto the stage and looked into the blaring blue lights, I suddenly felt calm and able. I know this is because so many people were praying for me.”

Hay Festival celebrates stories and experiences, so it provided a platform for the musicians to share the inspirations behind each song.

“My music is really inspired by my faith and what happened to me when I was younger.” April explained, “I was anorexic and depressed, but Jesus healed me one evening and from that moment on everything was different. It felt scary to share this story to an audience of people who didn’t necessarily believe it or understand it, but afterwards when all the songs had gone so smoothly and that immense relief started flooding in, I just felt so grateful for the opportunity to share my music and experience.”

April will be posting a ‘listen again’ link on her Facebook page as soon as one becomes available. Visit: www.facebook.com/AprilShiptonUK for all those who would like to listen to the broadcast.