11 February 2023 , 01:31
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Lionel Richie is a metaphorical starting gun for the upcoming celebrations linked to King Charles III’s coronation celebrations as he has been unveiled as the first star performer for the weekend of events.
The 73-year-old Dancing On The Ceiling icon has signed up to take to the stage at a special concert in celebration of the coronation of King Charles and Queen Consort, Camilla.
A weekend of events is scheduled to take place from Saturday 6 until Monday 8 May - with a bank holiday thrown in as part of the celebrations.
A Coronation concert will take place on Sunday 7 May at Windsor Castle and will be broadcast by the BBC.
Lionel Richie will perform at the coronation of King Charles III (Getty Images)Not only a music legend, Lionel is also a global ambassador for Charles’s Prince'’s Trust and has long supported the Monarch in his charitable ventures.
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A source told The Sun: “The King respects all of his ambassadors and particularly appreciates Lionel’s unwavering support for his Prince’s Trust.
“They have met on several occasions over the years and shared a bond as they are also both of very similar age.
“Lionel Richie is a great first addition to the concert which is fast looking like it is going to be the hottest ticket of the summer.”
A number of British musicians have been teased as part of the coronation concert - with the Spice Girls tipped to reform to perform at the bash.
Sir Paul McCartney is also tipped to take part in the celebrations (Getty Images)And Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney is also being lined up to take part.
A royal insider claimed last week: “Royal organisers are super-keen on landing Paul for this historical once-in-a-lifetime performance.
“The general thought is that having a Beatle singing on King Charles’ big day would seal the deal and other acts can slot in around him.
“Paul is the perfect signing, thanks to his extensive back catalogue and huge global appeal.”
The concert is expected to include orchestral performances of musical favourites fronted by some of the world’s biggest entertainers - as well as performances by a cast of dancers.
Queen Consort, Camilla, and King Charles III will both be celebrated in May (Getty Images)While Sir Paul is one of the names tipped to take part, other big names are yet to be revealed - however there will be performances by The Coronation Choir which will be made up of community choirs and amateur singers from across the United Kingdom.
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The centrepiece of the Coronation Concert, ‘Lighting up the Nation’, will see the country join together in celebration as iconic locations across the United Kingdom are lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations.