Paul McCartney kicks off London Live 8 concert

Jul 2, 2005, 14:16 GMT

London - Former Beatle Paul McCartney Saturday kicked of the central Live 8 concert in Londons Hyde Park where more than 200,000 people gathered under overcast skies to support the call on world leaders to "Make Poverty History."

McCartney and U2 frontman Bono gave a rendition of "Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" at the start of the star-studded show where Madonna, Elton John, Pink Floyd and Robbie Williams were due to perform.

The worldwide Live 8 concert series, organised by Irish rock star Bob Geldof, is billed as the "biggest rock-and pop-event in music history."

Thousands had queued outside the gates of Hyde Park overnight to gain a prime place on the lawns, with the park being closed to the public for the first time in its history.

"We dont want your money, we want you", flashed a banner above the performing stage.

As the concert was getting under way, more than 120,000 people gathered in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, to join a march against world poverty.

Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, was due to address a rally at the Edinburgh event.

The head of Britain's Roman Catholics, Cardinal Cormac Murphy- OConnor, who is also taking part, said: "I'm putting my feet where my mouth is. My main hope is that governments will listen to the people."

In an open letter to the G8 leaders published in the Times newspaper Saturday Live 8 organisers said: "We are gathering for you the largest mandate for action in history."