Nelson Mandela's star-studded Hyde Park party
Monday, 12 May 2008
Many of the world's most powerful and instantly recognisable figures and a concert audience of 46,664 will pay their tributes to Nelson Mandela, when he turns 90 later this year.
Mandela will arrive in London in June to take part in a series of events to mark his birthday: a very rare occasion since he is now finally "retired from retirement."
Royalty and politicians from both sides of the Atlantic, leading names from business, sport, film and entertainment – and some of the most successful musicians of the past twenty years – make up the birthday list for three days of celebrations.
The celebrations will culminate in a three-hour evening concert in London's Hyde Park on Friday June 27 - The 46664 Concert Honouring Nelson Mandela at 90.
Artists specially invited to perform for Mr. Mandela at the Friday night 90th birthday concert will include Queen Paul Rodgers, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds, Leona Lewis, the Sugababes, Dame Shirley Bassey, Razorlight, Andrea and Sharon Corr, Eddy Grant, and Jamelia.
Will Smith, Oprah Winfrey, Robert de Niro...
President Bill Clinton, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Will Smith, Oprah Winfrey, Robert de Niro and Forest Whitaker are amongst those who will also attend some of the events.
Fundraising events as part of the celebrations will benefit the charitable organisations established by Mr. Mandela: the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, which through their work have sought to bring about change and make a difference to lives in South Africa, Africa and elsewhere over the past 14 years.
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 campaign takes its name from the former South African president's prison number during his captivity on Robben Island.
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."
Tickets went on public sale on Friday 9th May at www.livenation.co.uk
General admission tickets are £65.00 (plus booking fees).
