FOR MANY of us the highlight of the Royal Wedding wasn't Meghan's dress, or the regal setting. It was the chance to catch the spellbinding Kingdom Choir filling our nation's most historic chapel with the uplifting love and energy that only gospel music can bring.

And so it was last night at The Pavilion Theatre when the very same choir, lead by the inspirational Karen Gibson, took us on a tour of the very best this musical tradition has to offer.

Kicking off with a sung Lord's Prayer, we were treated to a belting medley of Aretha Franklin's finest, including RESPECT and Say A Little Prayer, with the most beautiful rendition of Natural Woman which set the tone for the entire evening.

As befits a choir whose voices come from many backgrounds, including England, Jamaica and Nigeria, the music encompassed those traditions, from the spiritual, including, of course, Amazing Grace, to an African-inspired number and So Strong.

Those of us who missed Amen at the Royal Wedding's finale were treated to that, plus 'the song that changed our lives', as Karen put it; Stand By Me.

It's never a gospel concert without Happy Day and Lean on Me and so it was for us as the choir returned to the stage time and again to sing for us once more and to encourage us to sing for them.

Bookended by the the fabulous young talents of the Vocability choir from Baden-Powell and St Peter's Church of England Junior School, as well as a sprinkle of Country and Western (via Yorkshire!) from Philippa Hanna, it made for a beautiful evening. Gospel music is always a feast for the ears. Thanks to everyone who performed, and the songs they chose, it was also a feast for the soul.