Coventry is bracing itself for an invasion of thousands of pop fans as chart sensations Hear’Say come to town on their only public shop appearance to launch their new album.

The quintet, chosen in front of millions of viewers on the ITV series Popstars, will be appearing at the Virgin Megastore in the Precinct at 4pm on Thursday.

Security will be tight for the record-breaking group, whose debut single sold over 500,000 copies in its first week.

Coventry has been chosen as the sole city where members Noel Sullivan, aged 20, Myleene Klass, aged 22, Kym Marsh, aged 24, Danny Foster, aged 21 and Suzanne Shaw, aged 19 will appear for a retail launch of their album Popstars.

The city was chosen by the band’s publicity because of its experience in holding large outdoor events.

Another appearance at Bluewater in Kent had to be cancelled because of fears of the safety of fans.

Secret meetings have been taking place between the City Centre Company, bosses at West Orchards Shopping Centre, health and safety officers and the police to make sure the event goes smoothly.