A Dunmow singer has been given his big break as he is set to perform in front of thousands of people at the Virgin Media V Festival this weekend – just weeks after giving up his day job to pursue his dream full-time.

James Ford, 28, has spent the past 10 years trying to make a name for himself in the music industry by playing at local venues and charity events.

However, four weeks ago he decided to put all his efforts into becoming a musician and decided to quit his job as a marketing assistant.

It was only days after he made the big leap into the unknown that he received the life-changing call, asking him to perform at the Chelmsford leg of the two-site festival. He said: “It was such a shock. This is an amazing opportunity for me and something I have always wanted, but I didn’t think it would happen this soon.

“It was so daunting when I quit my job because I was giving up my livelihood to follow my dream and I have never had the courage to do that before.

“But I thought to myself I am 28, I have to do it now or never. It felt like the right time as I have been doing lots of festivals over the summer and when I went back to work I knew that wasn’t what I wanted to do.”

James, who lives on High Street, will be wowing the crowds at Hylands Park with DJ and producer, CUMMINZ, on Friday night and Sunday afternoon.

The pair only met two weeks ago and have been working tirelessly on their full house set of current chart hits.

They will be performing in a tent for unsigned acts. This is the first time the festival has given these artists a platform to showcase their talents.

Festival revellers can find James on the AT Music Stage on Friday night for everyone camping for the weekend, and he will be on stage again at 2.30pm on Sunday.