Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday Celebration party in Hyde Park

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Nelson Mandela

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Anti-apartheid activist and former president of South Africa (not to mention living legend), Nelson Mandela, will mark the occasion of his 90th birthday in a massive event to be staged in London's Hyde Park - the day before Hard Rock Calling kicks-off.

The three hour concert will feature celebrities of the political, entertainment and sports worlds, including Bill Clinton, Gordon Brown, Will Smith, Oprah Winfrey, Robert De Niro, Lewis Hamilton and Forest Whitaker to name but a few, not to mention the guest of honour: Mr Mandela himself.

Music on the day will be provided by an impressive lineup including: Queen + Paul Rodgers, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds, Leona Lewis, the Sugababes, Dame Shirley Bassey, Razorlight, Andrea and Sharon Corr, Eddy Grant, Jamelia, Italian singer Zucchero, Spanish band Amaral, Johnny Clegg, Sipho Mabuse, Loyiso, Kurt Darren, The Soweto Gospel Choir, Aids orphan choir The Children of Agape, Papa Wemba and Sudanese 'war child' rapper Emmanuel Jal.

The event will take place on Friday 27th June at Hyde Park, and will be limited to 46,664 tickets. 46664 was Mr Mandela's prisoner number whilst being held at Robben Island (for an astonishing 27 years).

46664 is also the name of his AIDS charity established in October 2003 - which Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart, Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor played a key part in the foundation of. Since then, Queen and Paul Rodgers have gone on to write songs especially for the organisation, including the track 'Say It's Not True'. Other ambassadors for 46664 include: Zucchero, Amaral - both performing on the day.

The 46664 charity helps to raise awareness about the impact of AIDS, especially in Africa, and promotes effective HIV prevention measures throughout the world. Visit www.46664.com for more information.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the 46664 charity.

Tickets costing £65.00 are available now on presale and go on sale to the general public on Friday 9th May at 9:00AM.

Daniel O'Connell