Singer, 16, 'excited' to play Latitude Festival

Bella Ross will perform on the Inbetweeners Teen Stage at Latitude Festival

A talented teenage songwriter who has never been to a music festival said she is “too excited” ahead of her performance at Latitude this weekend.

Bella Ross, 16, from Stonham Aspal, Suffolk, will take to the Inbetweeners Teen Stage at the Suffolk music event, in Henham Park, at midday on Saturday.

The self-proclaimed “biggest Taylor Swift fan in the whole world” was invited to perform after impressing judges at this year’s IEMusic Young Artist competition.

She joins a line-up boasting a plethora of well-known artists including Duran Duran, Kasabian, London Grammar, The Vaccines, and Keane.

Speaking to BBC Radio Suffolk's Wayne Bavin, Bella said: “[Being asked to play] has really boosted my confidence and I just want people to think I’m good.

“I am too excited for it because it’s an opportunity I will never get again – there are not a lot of people who get to Latitude Festival at my age.

“My friends are really excited for me and want to be part of the journey and experience.”

Bella was invited to Latitude after her showcase in the IEMusic Young Artist competition at St. Stephen’s Church, Ipswich, saw her crowned the winner.

Latitude Festival is taking place in Henham Park, Suffolk, this weekend

“The standard of performers at the auditions was incredibly high, and I was one of the youngest there,” she said.

“When the judges announced I had won, I was speechless. I had been so nervous but I am very glad I went on stage now.”

Bella, who will be studying at One sixth from college in Ipswich from September, has released three singles on Spotify, including a charity release about her mum’s cancer battle.

She said: “I am not Ed Sheeran-level yet but I am so passionate about my songwriting and I want to release as much music as I can.

“Even if this was just a bedroom hobby I would still enjoy it as much. But the fact I get to do what I love and get something from it is really, really cool.”