SHE sold out when she first came to Ipswich in March so demand for tickets for Katie Melua's return visit to town, announced today, looks set to be equally high.

By Jo Macdonald

Entertainment editor

joanne.macdonald@eveningstar.co.uk

SHE sold out when she first came to Ipswich in March so demand for tickets for Katie Melua's return visit to town, announced today, looks set to be equally high.

Only months after she wowed a capacity crowd at the Regent, the singing sensation is on her way back for a gig at the same venue on October 24. Tickets for the concert go on sale today.

The Ipswich date will mark the final night of Katie's second UK tour which will be bringing to an end a fantastic year for the young star.

Since the UK release of her debut album Call Off The Search last autumn she has gone from being an unknown musician signed to a small independent label to being one of the most successful artists in Britain this year. The album has gone on to sell more than 1.3 million copies and sat at the top of the album charts for six weeks.

Her debut UK tour was a sell out across the country so she has announced October's ten-date tour as part of her Call Off The Search world tour.

Katie will now spend the autumn touring Australasia, the Far East and Europe with her distinctive voice and songs which weave through a range of blues, folk and jazz.

The tour promises to include performances of favourite songs from the debut album, including the singles Closest Thing To Crazy and Crawling Up A Hill, as well as tracks from her second album, which is planned for release next year.

Katie said: "When you are on the road with a band there is a bonding process that makes for a great personal atmosphere but which also leads to a musical tightness and energy which is reflected in the show that you do. I really feel the band and I have got to this stage and we just love playing.

"The American tour was fantastic because we were often playing to people who didn't know much about us, which is always a challenge. We've had a great time playing festivals in the UK throughout the summer and I'm really looking forward to the UK tour in October."

Katie Melua will be returning to Ipswich Regent on October 24. Tickets for the concert go on sale today priced £18.50 and £20. For tickets visit the Central Box Office, in Princes Street, Ipswich, contact 01473 433100 or log on to www.ipswich-ents.co.uk

Weblink: www.katiemelua.com