|PIC1|US gospel legends Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin will partner with British artists in November for the "biggest gospel celebration in UK history", Sony BMG has announced.

Gospel Gathering UK, which will take place at the Butlins site in Minehead, will stage British gospel singers Raymond & Co, Roger Samuels and Muyiwa & Riversongz alongside Franklin, McClurkin, and Mary Mary.

The event will take place over the course of a weekend, from 16 to 18 November, and will feature live music workshops, a talent show, and sports and leisure activities.

Bishop John Francis, who is universally acclaimed by 'Gospel Today' as one of the world's top five world-class pace-setting pastors, will wrap up the event with a Sunday service.

According to Sony BMG, the influence and reach of gospel music is increasing daily, with gospel programming rising by over 100 per cent year-on-year. Gospel Gathering UK will not only be the biggest celebration ever in Europe, but will be the first of many biannual Gospel Gatherings in the UK.

For more information, go to www.gospelgatheringuk.com.