(27 Jun 1998) English/Nat
Throngs of concert-goers have gathered at the Spencer family estate for a charity concert in honour of the late Princess of Wales.
The proceeds will go to the charitable fund set up after Diana died in a car crash last August.
The line-up of performers include singer Chris De Burgh, opera singer Lesley Garrett, cellist Julian Lloyd Webber and pop singer Sir Cliff Richard.
Fifteen thousand concert goers are expected at the Althorp estate where Diana grew up.
It is the first time the estate has opened its doors to the public since Diana's death, ten months ago.
And concert-goers were eager to get there -- some had been waiting outside the gates since the early morning.
Some people have criticised the price of tickets - 39.50 pounds (dlrs 64.80) while others were upset that it was being held so close to Diana's grave.
Several stars, including Phil Collins, declined to appear.
But those attending, were hoping for a special night with good music as well as memories of the people's princess.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I don't know I have loads of tissues just incase. She loved music so why not. I think it is great."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox pop
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I think it is going to be great and its a nice tribute to Diana. I like the artists appearing especially Sir Cliff Richard so it will be nice to see him. I think it is going to be a very special event."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox pop
By mid-afternoon the last preparations were being made on stage and singers were going through the final sound checks.
Diana's sisters, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, were also overseeing some of the arrangements and are expected to mingle with the concertgoers.
The event was the brainchild of Diana's brother Earl Spencer.
It promises to be an emotional occasion with some of the late princess' favourite performers, singing her special songs.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I had to choose five or six songs. I obviously chose 'Lady in Red' because I knew the princess liked that one. Although I am doing fast rock songs, I think the one that is going to mean most to me is one I wrote shortly after her death called 'There is a new start up in heaven tonight'. And as I sang it this afternoon in the sound check with the orchestra behind me and I looked way down past Althorp house to the left I could see the island where she is buried. For me, I was completely overcome with emotion"
SUPER CAPTION: Chris de Burg, singer
The estate, about 75 miles (120 kms) northwest of London, opens for two months on Wednesday, which would have been Diana's 37th birthday.
More than 150-thousand people are expected to tour a new museum dedicated to her life and view the ornamental island where she is buried.
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