Watch Out

“For those who question why we should even try, why we should listen to the voices of cynicism, see this little girl. She had 10 minutes to live 20 years ago,” he said. “Last week she did her agricultural exams in the school she goes to in the northern Ethiopian highlands. Because of Live Aid, she’s here tonight. Don't let them tell us that this doesn't work.”

He then introduced 24-year-old Birhan Woldu. Her words translate as follows: “Hello from Africa. We Africans love you very much. It is a great honour to be here on the stage. Please continue to support Live 8.”

Geldof then introduced Madonna “another strong woman,” who hugged Birhan, before performing hits including Like a Prayer and Music. Other highlights included new acts Razorlight and the Scissor Sisters and the veterans REM, who sang Everybody Hurts and Man on the Moon.

Before the extravaganza began, Bob Geldof told BBC2: “The singular issue of our time which can be resolved at the beginning of the 21st century is the condition of the poor in Africa.

“It need not continue further into this century. We know what to do. There is a plan. There isn’t a plan B. Plan B is that we continue to watch them die. Peaceful means of doing things change the world. It does work.”

Around the world, other Live 8 concerts were already taking place. In Tokyo, McFly, the British boy band, joined Bjork and the American rockers Good Charlotte.

Around 10,000 fans attended the first of the nine concerts at the Makuhari Messe arena, on the outskirts of the city, for a gig that was a late addition to the programme of concerts in Rome, Berlin, Paris, Philadelphia, Toronto (Barrie), Johannesburg and London.

The first of the 1,000 artists to perform across the globe was Jesse, the front man of the Japanese band Rize, who sent a message to Junichro Koizumi, the Japanese Prime Minister, ahead of the G8 summit of world leaders that will be held in Scotland next week. “Wake up!” he said. “It’s a good event for Africa. Not just for Africa, but for the world.”

In Edinburgh, at exactly 12.15pm, the first of the demonstrators began their march through the city streets as 120,000 turned out for the Make Poverty History rally, intended to put pressure on G8 leaders when they meet in Scotland later this week.

They were led by celebrities and campaigners including pop star Daniel Bedingfield, actor Pete Postlethwaite, Bianca Jagger, television presenter Diane Louise Jordan and multi-millionaire businessman Sir Tom Farmer.

Trumpets and whistles competed with the sound of African drums as the noisy march made its way past Edinburgh’s historic university. Bystanders waved rainbow flags of peace as the head of the procession made its way through the Old Town.

Before launching into song with her band Texas Sharleen Spiteri told the crowd: “You are pretty unbelievable showing up today - I feel very proud to be here.”

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Should Knox’s trial even have reached the courtroom?
• All that glitters is not sold in Wright’s world
• Believe it or not, Big Brother is your friend