Massive security operation planned for G8 summit to be held at Lough Erne Hotel and Golf resort in June

AS the G8 world leaders arrive next month for a summit, 10,000 people are expected to attend in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens for an outdoor concert to highlight world hunger.

The Big IF Belfast event on Saturday, Junw 15, is part of the UK wide IF campaign to end world hunger.

Organisers hope it will give local people the opportunity to show their support for the world’s poor and influence the G8 leaders, who will be in Northern Ireland on 17 and 18 June.

IF organiser Fergus Cooper said: “One point six billion people in the world go to bed hunger every night and almost two thirds are children.

“We believe there is enough food to feed the world but it’s how we distribute that and how we use it

“So we are running this campaign and doing the concert to focus the world’s attention on feeding the world.”

The leaders of the world’s eight richest nations including the UK and the USA will arrive at the Lough Erne Hotel and Golf Resort for the G8 summit.

Fergus Cooper said he’s confident the Belfast event can make an impact.

“We’ve already had some impact.

“One of our key campaign components was we want all of the developed world to spend point seven per cent on development aid.

“You will be aware that the chancellor has already committed to that particular target. We want all the other nations including the G8 leaders to sign up as well.”

The event will involve live entertainment, music and dance from a range of performers.

“It’s also an opportunity for people to have their voices heard in relation to the campaign message of the IF campaign,” said organiser Dan Schofield said.

Opening the show will be Ulster Orchestra and Flash Harry will perform as Freedie Mercury from Queen.

However, IF say they have other “headliners” but won’t reveal who they are until nearer the time.

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