BEYONCÉ KNOWLES will headline a global concert in London on Saturday June 1, as part of Gucci's international campaign Chime For Change which aims to raise funds for female empowerment. The event, which will be broadcast around the world, will also feature performances from Florence and the Machine, Ellie Goulding, Iggy Azalea, John Legend, Rita Ora, Laura Pausini and Timbaland. The news was announced this morning at a press conference in London.
"Our goal is to call for change for girls and women in the loudest voice possible," said Chime For Change co-founder and concert artistic director, Beyoncé Knowles. "I am excited for us to come together on June 1 to bring the issues of education, health and justice for girls and women to the world stage."
As well as music, the concert - entitled The Sound Of Change Live - will also show inspirational short films and stories highlighting women's global issues. The event, to be held at Twickenham Stadium, will be produced by Control Room's Kevin Wall and Aaron Grosky, who were behind Live Earth and Live Aid.
Gucci will provide financial assistance to put on the show, so that all ticket sales will go to towards charities fighting for better education, justice and health for women. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday March 27. There will also be the option to choose which charity ticket sales will be donated to.
"This is the emergency and the opportunity of today," said Gucci creative director and Chime For Change co-founder Frida Giannini. "We have reached a significant moment in the history of girls' and women's empowerment and now is the time for change. On June 1 at Twickenham Stadium, I hope that The Sound Of Change Live will help the voices calling for change to become so loud that they cannot be ignored."