Gary Barlow announces initial line-up for Jubilee gig

Fresh from organising a huge concert in aid of Children in Need, Gary Barlow has announced the initial line-up of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert, which he is also helping to organise.
Veteran British pop royalty Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney are all set to perform on June 4th, while new rising stars like Ed Sheeran will appeal to the younger audiences.
Unlike the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002 which saw the Prom at the Palace and Party at the Palace take place in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, this concert will be held in front of the palace, using the Queen Victoria Memorial as part of the stage.
The change of venue means that hundreds of thousands more people will be able to watch the gig, which celebrates the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.
What’s more, 10,000 free tickets are to be delivered via a national ballot. Applications are open unitl March 2nd and they will be allocated according to regional populations.
As well as the legendary Elton John, other acts secured by Barlow include classical music from Alfie Boe and pianist Lang Lang, jazz from Jools Holland, 80s pop from Annie Lennox and Madness, and contemporary pop from the likes of Jessie J and JLS.
More acts will be announced over the coming months but Barlow did not confirm if Take That would make an appearance.
He promised it will be one of the “biggest and most exciting live music shows in recent years”.
“With Buckingham Palace as a backdrop, it’s going to be a fantastic event which transcends multiple decades of music,” he added. “It’ll be a great, unique, experience for the thousands attending, watching on TV and listening on Radio. I can’t wait!”
The concert will be broadcast live on the BBC.