The choir dressed in white suddenly being lit up and singing as the key changes on an XFactor's contestant latest ballard number is something we are all pretty used to these days.

But have you ever given thought to who that choir is? No? Well let me inform you then, it is, more often than not, the London Community Gospel Choir, who come to Fairfield Halls next Wednesday.

Formed by Reverend Bazil Meade in 1982, the choir has just announced that it is going to release its first crossover album, Glorious, at the end of March, that will include pop songs such as Let It Be, Now That We Found Love and U2's One and brand new recordings of inspirational favourites such as Amazing Grace and Abide With Me.

Having released nine gospels albums to date, Meade explained why they decided to do something different.

"The choir performs to audiences around the world and, as well as singing pure gospel music, the performances include a broader range of musical styles," he said.

"After more than two years of planning, we believe that this album reflects their live shows and their wonderful ability to present this glorious music without limitations."

The choir is largely recognised as the pioneer of gospel music in the UK and has sung at sporting occasions such as last year's FA Cup final and at celebrity events like Wayne Rooney's wedding.

They were the sound of ITV's 2009 FA Cup coverage with the theme song Abide With Me and their glorious rendition brought a whole new meaning to the phrase community singing, as was evidenced when they led the crowd, and raised the roof, by singing it on the pitch at Wembley last year before the final.

The choir also recently led the vocal celebrations at Twickenham's centenary match when England met Wales in the Six Nations 2010 and they have already been invited to play a role in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympics.

London Community Gospel Choir, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, March 3, 8pm, £19.50 to £21.50. Call 020 8688 9291 or visit fairfield.co.uk.