Three-day party for Jackson's father

Michael Jackson’s family is throwing a three-day party in Berlin this weekend to celebrate his father’s 76th birthday.

Joe Jackson will be surrounded by an estimated 2,000 guests for the extravaganza, although the recently-acquitted King of Pop has not indicated whether he will attend.

Jackson family spokeswoman Angel Howansky said the troubled singer had invited his fans from all over the world to the party but was unsure whether he would be there himself.

“Michael has opened the door to fans to say thank you for all the support during his trial,” she said.

“I spoke to him today and he said he was glad the trial was over and that the family could put everything behind them.”

Ms Howansky said she could confirm the entire Jackson clan would be at the celebrations at the Estrel Hotel, with the exception of Michael.

At least one German newspaper has claimed the star will be joining siblings Janet, LaToya and Jermaine for the reunion.

If so, it would mark his first public appearance since being acquitted of child molestation last month.

The frail star flew to Bahrain to recover from the ordeal.

It was during his last trip to the German capital that Jackson created a worldwide furore by dangling his baby son, Prince Michael II, over a hotel balcony.

The singer’s sixth greatest hits album, The Essential Michael Jackson, was released by record label Sony BMG yesterday.

The two-disc set includes songs spanning his entire career, from 1970’s I Want You Back to 2001’s You Rock My World.