She's a prized national treasure and in the true sense of the word a diva, which is described in the Oxford Dictionary as a great woman opera singer'. Lesley Garrett, CBE, is one of Britain's most popular sopranos with a legion of devoted fans who thrill to her warmth, personality, stunning looks and glorious voice.

Much of her appeal is the very grounded disposition this diva has she is enthusiastic to the point of bursting about her career, yet a mother and wife with no pretensions at the same time.

Fairfield Halls is delighted to welcome back Lesley to the concert hall on Wednesday, June 7, for an evening of music making featuring songs and arias from her recent albums and television shows.

When we speak she dazzles me by recalling the precise time and date of her last visit to our town.

"It was Valentine's Day, February 14, 1999, that I last sang in Croydon," she says in her rich voice that has retained the accent of her hometown, Thorne in south Yorkshire.

"It's not me that remembers all my previous dates and things it's my efficient, slightly anal PA!" she laughs, "I couldn't be without her."

And Lesley could not be without her music.

"It's always been in me and I have been so blessed to have this wonderful career. I see it as my job to lift and inspire the public at large with my gift. That might sound a bit pompous but music and the art of entertaining is vital, it breaks my heart when arts budgets are cut to save money, no wonder people have no heart and soul. That's why I was so proud to be made a CBE in 2002 for services to music. I'm so passionate about it," she says.

Lesley's rapport with audiences reaches out through television screens, her diversity touches people from all walks of life.

Her operatic portrayals are of an award- winning calibre and the accolades heaped on her are well deserved, but that does not mean her head has been turned. Down to earth is the phrase that sums up the Garrett magic.

Recently her profile has been raised, adding new strings to her bow. She appeared in the BBC's hit show Strictly Come Dancing and together with her professional dance partner, Anton Du Beke, reached the semi-finals of the competition.

"I loved that show," she says, "It was such hard work but great fun. And those gorgeous dresses, you know I love my frocks!"

Her expertise was respected and valued when Lesley was invited to be one of the judges for the BBC's Comic Relief Does Fame Academy in February 2005. The revealing television series Who Do You Think You Are? traced the Yorkshire lass' family roots back several generations.

"It's good to stay close to your roots. For me every day is a gift, every day is like Christmas," she says emotionally.

The television cameras love Lesley but she never wants to stay away from opera for too long.

"It hits me suddenly and I know I have to get back on the boards. Opera is my first love and it gives my voice a physical work out. Like an athlete I want to stay at my peak. In the autumn I toured in Welsh National Opera's new production of The Merry Widow that toured the UK. It's funny how things work out, I was invited to do Never Mind The Buzzcocks but then that got cancelled which left me free to take up the opportunity to sing two special dates with English National Opera (ENO). I sang the role of Yum-Yum in the last two gala performances of The Mikado at the Coliseum."

Lesley is a member of the ENO's board of directors.

"The ENO went through a bumpy patch a while ago but the artists and company have gone from strength to strength. The Mikado is getting rave reviews and selling out. But I think it sometimes is a battle for West End theatres to get the audiences in, what with congestion charging and terrorism."

The programme for Fairfield's event is still being considered with conductor Tolga Kashif.

"The audiences vary on tours but the magic never fails me. Even if I'm feeling a bit out of sorts the minute I step on stage Dr Foolights' medicine kicks in."

- An Evening with Lesley Garrett Fairfield Halls, Croydon, June 7, 7.30pm £30, £25, £15 020 8688 9291 www.fairfield.co.uk