HENLEY Festival is renowned for being one of the most glamorous 'festivals' in the UK. And it is not just the public who love the glitz and prestige of the event on the banks of the River Thames but also Welsh mezzo-soprano, Katherine Jenkins, who is performing there this July. The singer took time out from her busy schedule to talk to Rebecca Cain about one of her favourite things to do.

Katherine had just returned from reaching the finals in Dancing With The Stars in America when she sang for the Queen during the Jubilee weekend celebrations.

She sang the National Anthem at the Epsom Derby, after a request from Queen Elizabeth II herself.

The 31-year-old said it was a great way to come back to the UK.

Katherine spent three months in the US in the dance contest and came runners up to American football star Donald Driver.

Katherine said: "It was amazing. I have loved every minute of it. It was one of the hardest things I have done."

And she will stay in touch with dance partner, Mark Ballas, as she said if you go through something like that you are bound to be friends for life.

She added: "He is half British so at some point he will be coming over here. He is a lovely guy and all the hard work he put in. He really pushed me."

She said it was hard being away from everybody, although her mum and friends did come out to see her.

She added: "The rest of the three months I was there on my own, although I had my management team.

"To feel the love that came from the UK was what was really keeping me going and to feel the love and support."

So how did she feel not winning?

She said: "I am totally fine with it. I went to a country where they didn't know me to begin with and it is partly a popularity context. I honestly felt like I was made so welcome by the Americans. It was very humbling.

"Every one else was from there. I feel I did my absolute best and I am very proud."

Katherine has released eight albums since 2004, her latest, Daydream was released last year and she is already making a new one.

She is a world wide superstar having toured across the world. She is also involved in the 2012 Olympics, although she is not allowed to reveal how.

And next month she is coming to Henley, where she has played twice already.

She said: "I absolutely love it. It is one of my favourite things to do. The setting is gorgeous. I love that everyone gets so dressed up- which is what makes it so unique.

"I am constantly joking when I am there that I am going to buy a house there as it is so gorgeous."

Katherine Jenkins is performing at Henley Festival on Thursday, July 5 with special guest Nathan Pacheco and The Military Wives Choir.

The Festival runs from July 4-8. Sting is performing on the Wednesday night, which is sold out, and it closes on the Sunday with Olly Murs.

Tickets range from £35 to £90. To book call 01494843404 or go to www.henley-festival.co.uk