London gears up for Live 8

Final preparations are continuing today ahead of the Live 8 concert in London which is expected to draw more than 200,000 people to Hyde Park tomorrow.

The anti-poverty event, which will feature a host of leading international stars, is destined to be biggest music event yet, with a series of gigs happening across the globe.

Organisers predict the gigs will attract a global audience of 5.5 billion.

In London, a crew of around 2,000 at Hyde Park are making last minute refinements to plans, with 25 artists and groups waiting to appear on the specially constructed stage.

Scotland Yard confirmed about 1,000 officers will be on duty in a massive operation to manage the huge crowds, with all leave cancelled and hundreds of staff working overtime.

Chief Superintendent Helen Ball said it was one of the biggest policing operations of recent years – on a par with that for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002.

Ms Ball said plans were in place to deal with every eventuality – even the unlikely scenario of a terrorist attack.

“There has been a lot of planning by all the agencies involved. We are working closely to make sure we create a safe environment in which people can relax and be part of this unique event,” she said.