Aids gig promises 'unique' line-up

Midge Ure and other stars in Cardiff to promote the event

BBC News Online's Sue Cass reports from the Millennium Stadium

Organisers of a massive charity concert at the Millennium Stadium to help aids sufferers have promised a unique performance from a star studded line up.

Charlotte Church and girl band Atomic Kitten are among the "big names" signed up so far.

Midge Ure promises a unique performance

ShowTime @ The Stadium will feature contemporary artists performing classic songs from stage musicals.

The event was launched at the stadium in Cardiff, on Wednesday by musical director and former Ultravox front man Midge Ure.

Mr Ure, who helped Bob Geldof stage the groundbreaking Live Aid concert in 1985, said: "This is definitely not Live Aid II this is a very different concept.

Seeing guys like Atomic Kitten perform something from a West End show will be absolutely unique

Midge Ure, musical director

"We are talking about bringing in songs from Broadway... so it's not just musicians there will be dancers and a variety of performers.

"Seeing guys like Atomic Kitten perform something from a West End show will be absolutely unique."

The concert - which also features Petula Clark and builder-turned-opera-singer Russell Watson - is to be held on 20 October this year will be a family orientated day with the emphasis on entertainment rather than just music.

BBC Wales is helping to organise the event in conjunction with the Red Hot Aids charity. The concert will be recorded for broadcast on BBC One a week later.

Charlotte looks forward to the talent showcase

Organisers say that there will be a cast of thousands involved in the production from gospel choirs to dancers.

The Welsh born soprano Charlotte Church said that she was looking forward to the showcase.

"In this concert there's going to be a lot of artist experimentation," she said.

"Musical songs are some of the most beautiful songs ever written because they've got gorgeous words which do have a lot of soul and there's big meaty orchestras.

"I think it will give artists a chance to show off their talents."

There are expected to be a few surprises at the event with Atomic Kitten promising to put on a "performance of a life time".

Liz from the band said: "We're thinking of putting on from cabaret and if someone gives a huge donation to the Red Hot charity then we'll wear some skimpy outfits."

Stage set for Robbie concert

"But not too skimpy because it is a family show."

A number of top quality artists have been approached to appear in the event including Robbie Williams, but the final line-up has yet to be confirmed.

The event will launch the International Festival of Musical Theatre, which will take place in Cardiff every two years from October next year.

The Millennium Stadium which has established itself as a major venue for sporting events and concerts is currently a hive of activity.

The stage is being set for the Robbie Williams concert which is being held this weekend.

The sell out concert is just the latest in a long line of events which have been secured by the stadium management.