It’s a really good time to be in the UK if you’re a fan of gospel choirs as there are some events coming up that will celebrate all that’s good about the traditional gospel sound. What’s more, the events are going to be saluting some of the best in the business.

First up is the Harlem Gospel Choir who is currently touring the country. Heralded as one of the all time greats, the Harlem Gospel Choir is celebrating their 25th anniversary. It’s a quarter century that has seen them reaching the four corners of the world and singing for everyone from Nelson Mandela to the Pope. The guests won’t be as high profile on their current tour of the UK but with their schedule including Durham, Birmingham and London they will give a wide spread of music lovers a chance to experience their shows.

The remaining dates are:

Elsewhere, an event taking place in Manchester will see top choirs from across the country uniting to celebrate the life and work of Walter Hawkins. It will be a chance to dig into the impressive back catalogue of Hawkins songs which of course includes the most famous and loved gospel song of all time – Oh Happy Day. The night, simply called Oh Happy Day! will be a one-off experience and a great opportunity to enjoy one of the genre’s most inspired songwriters.

Oh Happy Day! takes place at the Royal Northern College of Music on Saturday 25th June. More info at www.rncm.ac.uk