An award-winning university gospel choir competition is returning to Croydon for its ninth annual show.

Inspired by Sister Act 2, a 90's musical comedy starring Whoppi Goldberg, the University Gospel Choir of the Year (UGCY) event sees the top eight singing societies from across the country clash for national recognition.

Taking place at Oasis House in Croydon on Saturday April 6 and hosted by (MOBO award winner), the competition will be judged by 2019 the Voice contestant Emmanuel Smith and other industry experts.

Lorraine Wright, founder of UGCY, said she spotted the need for such a competition during her time on the gospel choir at Brunel University, 9 years ago.

She said: "I realised we had great talent in my university gospel choir but no where to showcase it for others to hear!

"One Christmas, i was watching my favourite film, Sister Act, and thought “why don't we have anything like that in the UK?” so i started UGCY as a way to showcase the amazing talents we have within our UK universities.

"We are excited that this years competition will see some of the UK's best perform in Croydon in this x factor meets sister act style competition."

This year’s show brings a new international twist with a theme - Preaching to The Nations.

Each of this year’s finalists will be required to sing in a different language for a section of their performance set.

University Gospel Choir of the Year is a voluntary organisation, providing a platform for University Gospel Choirs across the UK to develop and showcase their musical abilities.

To get your ticket, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/university-gospel-choir-of-the-year-ugcy-2019-tickets-54271592795