Singer Katie Melua has spoken of her excitement at performing at the 2012 Hampton Court Palace Festival.

Melua, whose hits include the Closest Thing to Crazy and Nine Million Bicycles, said she was “stunned” by the intimate setting the last time she was at the historic landmark.

She will join stars including Liza Minnelli, Van Morrison, Jools Holland and Caro Emerald to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the festival, between June 14 and 23.

She says: “I’ll be singing songs from my new album Secret Symphony as well as the older songs like Nine Million Bicycles and the Closest Thing to Crazy.

“I’m very lucky to play with some really talented musicians and I always like to give them freedom to make the show as amazing as they can.”

She said it was a “huge honour” for her to perform at the 20th anniversary festival and playing in the open air courtyard would help her connect with the audience.

“It is such a historic and beautiful place," she said.

"I played at the palace a few years ago, just before the album Piece By Piece came out, and remember being really stunned by the setting.

“Although the concert is outdoors, performing in the courtyard does feel very intimate. In many ways you get the best of both worlds and you can really connect with the audience even though you are singing under the stars.

“There will definitely be very intimate moments, as well as some moments when I get to rock out a bit more.”

She also paid tribute to some of the other artists in the line-up, adding: “I love Caro, I think she has a great presence on stage, I saw her for the first time in Holland and she was brilliant.

“Jools Holland is a total legend and always puts on a great show. He is always exciting to watch on stage.”

Hampton Court Palace Festival, June 14 to 23. For tickets, visit hampton courtpalacefestival.com.