Major label RCA Records has announced the first ever three-day international Gospel event in the UK. Gospel Gathering UK will take place from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 November 2007 at Butlins Holiday resort in Minehead and is to feature a host of acts from both sides of the Atlantic.
Headlining the bill is multi-award winning and platinum-selling US Gospel superstar Kirk Franklin whose current album "Hero" has already scored a UK radio hit "Looking For You" which received heavy rotation on London's No.1 station for Hip Hop and R&B, Choice FM. Franklin will be joined by his US counterparts Mary Mary (pictured) who reached Top 5 in the UK Charts with their hit "Shackles (Praise You)" and Donnie McClurkin who famously recorded his best-seller project (over one million copies sold) "Live in London" at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon.
The UK will also have strong representation with British Gospel pioneers Raymond & Co and current high-flyers Four Kornerz leading the way. Plus, more contemporary Church Praise & Worship input from Muyiwa & Riversongz, Mark Beswick and Roger Samuels. Bishop John Francis who was named in Gospel Today's "Ten World-Class Pace Setting Pastors" and released his solo debut album this year, will hold a special Sunday service to close out the weekender.
Bultins Resorts have long been associated with the great British getaway but visitors to the Gospel Gathering UK in Minehead will experience much improved facilities with top-of-the-range leisure and sports complexes, cinema, shopping and a range of more adrenalin-pumping activities like "aerial trekking" where the bravest guests can have a go at abseiling and climbing an 83ft high wall.
In the tradition of All Tomorrows Parties/Southport Weekenders, Gospel Gathering UK will take place over the course of a weekend where outside of the live music there will be across the board entertainment for all the family: Music workshops, a talent show (where the winner gets to open for Kirk Franklin), pastime activities ranging from go-karting to hair and nail salons and shops selling everything from jewellery through to books. A vast range of catering will be made available providing fast food, contemporary dishes and African/Caribbean cuisine.
