Mandela off to UK birthday bash
2008-05-07 10:47
London - Nelson Mandela plans to travel to London next month to attend a special birthday concert in London's Hyde Park, said organisers on Tuesday.
The South African Nobel Prize-winner is retired and rarely makes public appearances, but Nick Southall, a spokesperson for Mandela's Aids charity, said he would attend the celebration.
Organisers for the June 27 concert said invitations to perform had been sent to the Sugababes, Annie Lennox and Razorlight.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Former US president Bill Clinton and US talk-show host Oprah Winfrey also plan to attend.
Proceeds from the concert will go to the 46664 charity, a reference to the number Mandela wore while imprisoned on Robben Island. The charity raises money to fight Aids.
The concert coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Free Mandela concert, whose organisers demanded that Mandela be freed from prison. Mandela turns 90 on July 18.
- AP