An Australian singer who has performed with the likes of the Bee Gees, Neil Diamond and Natalie Cole will be performing a free open air concert next week.

Kim Chandler will take to the stage at Merton Abbey Mills during the first week of Abbey Fest – a 53 day summer festival of music, theatre and comedy.

Kim relocated to the UK in 1999 where she carved a name for herself on London’s professional music scene as a jazz singer performing at some of London’s best clubs including The 606 Club, The Spice of Life and ‘Jagz’ Jazz Club.

More than 20,000 people attend Abbeyfest, which started in 1998.

Running from July 6 to August 27, the festival will feature over 20 theatre shows, 10 free open air concerts, 8 Edinburgh comedy preview shows as well as chamber concerts a children’s festival, an Olympic torch relay party and a Brazilian themed closing Olympic ceremony celebration.

A festival spokesman said: "The festival creates the opportunity for many new, aspiring and established actors, performers, musicians, writers and directors to have a platform to showcase their work.

"Every year Abbeyfest creates many valuable work experience placements for students in surrounding schools and colleges to gain a real hands-on insight to the entertainment industry."

Kim Chandler – Abbeyfest; Merton Abbey Mills, Wimbledon; July 13; 8pm – 10pm; 020 8542 5511, 020 8543 9608; abbeyfest.co.uk