Tributes paid to Mandela ahead of gig
Stars including Will Smith and Charlize Theron have paid tribute to Nelson Mandela ahead of his birthday gig.
The event which takes place in London's Hyde Park on Friday, is part of a week-long series of UK events in honour of Mr Mandela's 90th birthday.
It will feature acts such as Annie Lennox, Queen and Leona Lewis.
Singer Annie Lennox, a fierce opponent of apartheid during the 1980s, hailed Mandela as a symbol of hope.
She said: "Hope over despair, hope over impossibility, and it's just beautiful to see him at 90-years-old."
On Wednesday night, Mr Mandela hosted a star-studded private dinner and fundraiser for 520 special guests including activist Sir Bob Geldof and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Hollywood actor Denzel Washington was also there, he revealed he was old friends with Nelson Mandela.
Washington said: "It's a celebration as well as, obviously helping to raise money. That's why we're here."
© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
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