Elton opens Vienna aids gala

Elton John declared Vienna’s ninth annual Life Ball a success last night.

The musician officially opened the event, one of Europe’s biggest Aids charity galas, and accepted a cheque for £250,000 for his Aids foundation to support projects in Africa.

‘‘We have to look reality in the eye,’’ he said.

Aids ‘‘affects not only the health of individuals, but also the economy, politics and society itself. ... Therefore events like the Life Ball are so important they raise awareness’’.

The show featured an open-air fashion show by Italian designer Roberto Cavalli, which went on despite a poorly-timed cloudburst.

Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Stansfield and INXS provided the music during a party later at Vienna’s city hall.