|TOP|Britain’s largest outdoor gospel music festival will take place in London on Sunday 23 July at Tooting Bec Common.

Organised by the New Testament Assembly in Tooting, Praise in the Park will feature performances from some of the UK’s most well known gospel artists, as well as promising newcomers, such as Premier Radio presenter and worship leader Muyiwa with his group Riversongz, Birmingham gospel sensation Cie, gospel r’n’b group Sons of Light, gospel rapper Jahaziel, urban gospel group Company, the Beechcroft Chapel Choir and the Croydon SDA Choir.

In addition, Praise in the Park will feature face painting for the kids, a fun fair, supervised games for children, stalls selling food and drink and an inspiring message delivered by Rev Les Isaacs, founder of the innovative Street Pastors scheme, which provides pastoral care, prayer and support to at risk youth out on the streets of Britain’s inner cities.

Over 3000 people are expected to attend the event.

As one of the most well known churches in south London, Tooting NTA has aimed to provide spiritual support and be socially relevant within the local community since its formation 45 years ago by Bishop Melvin Powell and Bishop Donald Bernard,

|AD|These aims have been achieved through its weekly services which meet the spiritual needs of the community, and its highly respected Neighbourhood Centre based in Glenbournie Road, which provides a range of services. These include a youth centre, a home care service for the elderly, a drop in centre for those recovering from mental illness, and counselling and pastoral care.

Rev Heather Dixon, leader of the Praise in the Park committee stated, “We are really excited about this year’s line up for Praise in the Park and the range of activites that will take place at this year’s event.”

“Our desire has always been for Praise in the Park to be an event that everyone can enjoy. It is one of the UK’s premier gospel events, and gives the church an opportunity to interact with the local community at an enjoyable event that can appeal to everyone, whatever their religious persuasion. The last Praise in the Park attracted over 3000 attendees. We are expecting to surpass that number this year.”