SINGERS from across the country will come together for a Big Sing performance in Essex.

Gemma and Howard Francis and Gemma's brother Jon, from Witham, set up community choirs in their hometown and across the county.

Since 2011 the group has expanded and now they will take over the Civic Theatre in Chelmsford for their biggest event to date.

They are planning a music festival with singers, expert vocal tutors, backing singers to the stars and choirs from all over Essex, London, Kent & Hertfordshire.

Mrs Francis said: "The whole day is going to be full of soul, happiness, and unity. "You don’t have to be part of a choir to come along, solo singers or groups of friends are welcome, the more the merrier.

"We have 400 singers already booked in and together we will raise the roof of the Civic Theatre.

"We plan to just have pure unadulterated fun belting our hearts out, making music all day long."

Children are welcome during the day for their own workshops.

The Big Sing choir were runners up in The Gospel Choir of the Year Competition on Songs of Praise, and they were asked to sing with Ellie Goulding at the Roundhouse last Christmas.

They have also just finished touring with Leona Lewis on her UK theatre tour.

For information on how to book for this event, which will be held on Saturday, May 21, visit www.big-sing.com.