06/05/2008

Mandela Tribute Concert Set For June

A galaxy of stars are set to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela on this 90th birthday in June.

Among the acts invited to perform for Mr Mandela on the 27 June at Hyde Park are Queen, Paul Rodgers, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds and Leona Lewis.

Dame Shirley Bassey, Jamelia and the Sugababes will also perform to a crowd of 46,664 – a significant number as it is Mr Mandela's old prison identification.

President Bill Clinton, Ms Oprah Winfrey and Robert de Niro are among the guests to attend the star studded event.

Mr Mandela said at the announcement of the concert: "You all know that I am supposed to be retired but my friends and the charitable organisations that bear my name want to use my 90th birthday year to raise funds to continue our work and so of course I want to help them. So, we have a bargain – I am going to London and they will host a concert in Hyde Park, which will raise awareness of our continuing work and much needed funds."

The concert proceeds will go to the 46664 campaign which raises awareness about the impact of AIDS, especially in Africa, and promotes effective HIV prevention measures throughout the world.

The Free Mandela concert was held in 1988 which called for his release from prison. Another concert was held in Wembley after Mr Mandela was released two years later.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday and general admission is £65.

Mercede-Benz, Investec and British Airways are among the companies supporting the concert.

Mr Mandela was the first democratically elected President of South Africa. He spent 27 years in prison on convictions for crimes that included sabotage committed in his struggle against apartheid. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

(DS)


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