Live8 Africa Calling at Eden

Eden goes African for Live 8 gigs

The Eden Project took part in one of the international Live 8 concerts on the 2nd of July 2005

Spectacular performances from the African artists saw the crowd dancing and singing.

The line-up for "Africa Calling" at Eden.

Akim El Sikameya (Algeria), Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Ayub Ogada (Kenya), Chartwell Dutiro (Zimbabwe), Coco Mbassi (Cameroon), Daara J (Senegal), Frititi (Ghana/Angola/UK), Geoffrey Oryema (Uganda), Maryam Mursal (Somalia), Modou Diouf & O Fogum (Senegal), Shikisha (South Africa), Thomas Mapfumo & the Blacks Unlimited (Zimbabwe), Siyaya (Zimbabwe), Tinariwen (Mali).

Africa Calling, was hosted by rock star Peter Gabriel.

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The day started with a media gathering around 12.15pm, a brief introduction by Tim Smit then it was over to Peter Gabriel who told the media what and why it was happening today.

Sound checks were carried out on stage and the first arrivals filed in, unlike the London event with 150,000 the maximum number permitted at Eden is 4200, so you could get right up to the stage, and have a pint of Eden Ale if you wanted. It was all very civilised and well organised.

Mariza on stage at around 2 pm

The crowds got larger and the tempo increased, one of Eden's many advantages is that you can wander around and get many different views of the action.

Modou Diouf - The sun shines and time for a beer.

Ah the beer tent, now which brew shall I go for, both bars look very tempting Sharps Eden Ale won on this particular occasion.

Now there's the job for me, a boom driver, you get a workout while your working. The main steps are an ideal view point and a good place to eat your Hog Roast roll.

MC's Peter Gabriel and Johnny Kalsi. Tim and friends enjoying the day.

Hands for Africa - The moving moment when Nelson Mandela spoke to all the live8 events.

Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity but an act of justice, the former president and freedom icon Nelson Mandela said at the Africa Standing Tall Against Poverty concert in conjunction with Live8 in Newtown on Saturday.

02/07/05 Africa Calling Live8 at Eden, exciting, intimate, moving and enjoyable.

Following their performances in Hyde Park Youssou N'dour and Dido took a helicopter flight down to Eden where they performed a couple of duets, ' 7 seconds' and 'Thank you.' Dido was able to have a brief chat with Esther Rantzen (Eden's own celebrity supporter) before being whisked off to the waiting car and helicopter and joining in further Live8 celebrations in Paris.

Live8 Africa calling continued on stage and then I spotted two bugs climbing up the Biome.

Eden's own celebrity supporter, Esther Rantzen.

It's a fun day with a serious message.

As evening falls the message of the day becomes clearly illuminated.

Daara J Hi Hop at it's best had the crowd jumping, clapping and waving.

All the performers on stage for the finale. Tim on the big screen thanking everyone who helped to get this organised in under 3 weeks, it was an amazing achievement. On to the fireworks.

Just a few of the amazing shots from the firework display.

I would like to add my personal thanks to all who assisted in the production of this magnificent show