Cumbrian songstress Cindy Hoten has announced a lengthy list of live shows in the county coming up in 2017.

By Samantha Ewen

The versatile star, who specialises in a range of vintage classics, was born in Derbyshire but has lived in Whitehaven and now Workington for 16 years, and shares a special connection with Cumbrian audiences.

She performs songs from 1920s to current hits, at weddings, corporate events and festivals.

For this year, Cindy, 38, has taken up residency at Frederick's Lounge Bar in Cockermouth and will be performing every first Saturday of the month.

Her 29 local dates confirmed so far include venues such as The Crescent in Carlisle, and at The Woolpack Wine Festival, Eskdale.

Citing influences in Patsy Kline and Etta James, Cindy has a love of vintage. She spent a year at the Sydney Vocal Arts Centre and has released two albums, with album number three currently in the works.

The singer takes performing inspiration from her father and is her own manager and agent, arranging all of her appearances herself.

She says: "That way, I can choose certain venues and an audience that inspires me.

"I have regulars that become friends. It's lovely to perform at a wedding, then see the bride and groom's faces at a public performance."

Cindy gave up a professional career as a project manager at Sellafield to run with her musical passion, but it's not all been plain sailing for the local star.

Following her father's death in 2007, she developed myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and struggled with basic tasks such as walking and preparing meals.

She continues: "I just didn’t know what was wrong with me. For over a year, I was trapped in the house alone as I didn't have any family nearby.

"When I was eventually diagnosed with ME, I used singing to help with my recovery to remove some of the fluid from my lungs.

"I promised myself I'd take up singing properly if I got better. Performing takes it out of me, but I'd say I'm 95 per cent recovered now.

"I also work with people with dementia to bring them joy and allow them to forget their troubles.

"I feel honoured that I'm able to make people feel euphoric and relive memories."

Aside from the tour, plans for the future include a collaboration with a fellow female performer - though Cindy is being tight-lipped for now as she insists it's early days, but can promise that it's sure to wow audiences.