Swindon's own chart topper, Josh Kumra, is returning to play in his home town this month.

Josh will be playing his own acoustic soul, with a Kanye West kick, at the Victoria, Victoria Road, Old Town on Thursday, August 25 from 8pm.

The Headlands school pupil did his apprenticeship in music playing the pubs and clubs of Swindon, he attended the Swindon Academy of Music And Sound, performed as a solo artist and also in a duo called Kicaberry.

His big break came through a song called Don't Go, that he co-wrote and sang with the rapper Wretch 32.

He had already moved to London and instead of playing at a local pub was performing to crowds of 80,000 at gigs such as the V Festival, O2 and Wembley arenas.

He was experiencing the heady feel of fame when Don't Go shot to number one in the charts putting the icing on the cake.

Josh has gone on writing and performing but never forgets his roots nor the fans who supported him in Swindon.

"Ultimately it comes down to me, the bedroom singer-songwriter with a guitar in my hand,'' he said.

He regularly returns to see friends and to play intimate gigs.

He has achieved one of his early ambitions of appearing on television with Jools Holland, he has toured with Lianne La Havas and released two albums of his own music.

He signed to Sony Records RCA and produced his debut album, Good Things Come To Those Who Don't Wait, which featured songwriting and production collaborations with Fink, Emeli Sandé, Naughty Boy and Mr Hudson.

For Josh it has always been about the music ever since he was a little boy, listening to his dad's music while growing up in Pinehurst.

He said: "With every piece of music I do I just hope it outlives me, so if I make an album and people listen to it in 10 or 20 years time, like I do with a Tracey Chapman album, then I am happy.''

Josh is currently touring in the south of England. When he returns to Swindon he will be playing with David Oliver. For more details of the gig call 01793 535713 - Flicky Harrison