David Gray/Morcheeba to give free London concert

Chart star David Gray and chillout favourites Morcheeba are to perform a free concert at the heart of London in Trafalgar Square, it was announced today.

The event on August 31 has been lined up by London Mayor Ken Livingstone to boost tourism and showcase the revamped square.

Trafalgar Square last hosted a concert in 2001 when US rock giants REM performed for Nelson Mandela at a show to mark South Africa Freedom Day.

More than 10,000 people will be able to attend the show, drawn from phone applicants. People without tickets are being urged to stay away.

Gray has found huge success with hits such as Babylon and The Other Side. Morcheeba – who have recently released a best-of album Parts Of The Process - have found fame for tracks such as The Sea and Tiger Hippie.

Other acts will be announced over the coming days.

Morcheeba singer Skye Edwards said: “After we were asked to do this show, I happened to get off the bus just round the corner from Trafalgar Square and it suddenly dawned on me that it would be an amazing place to do a show.”

The show is part of the Totally London initiative funded by the Mayor’s London Development Agency.

Ken Livingstone said today: “I’m pleased we’ve got such a great line-up for the Trafalgar Square concert.

“David Gray and Morcheeba are hugely popular in the UK, but they’re also major international artists, which makes them perfect to show off the wonderful new Trafalgar Square and the hundreds of other exciting things going on in London this summer and into the autumn.”

Tickets will be drawn on Thursday, with two per applicant.

Traffic diversions will be put in place around the square to help with crowd management and safety.