CHARITY workers in Swindon are excited about news of a massive concert to tackle world poverty.

The line-up of the Live 8 gig, to be held in Hyde Park, was announced amid much fanfare yesterday.

Bob Geldof is organising the event, 20 years on from the original Live Aid in 1985.

Big names including Robbie Williams, Madonna and Sir Paul McCartney will be there on July 2.

Maggie Aldridge, manager of Oxfam in Regent Street, Swindon, said: "Anything that raises the profile of what is happening with world poverty is obviously good.

"I think these things do work and it will be successful.

"It's important to keep this in the public eye and let people know what's going on.

"There has been a notable difference in the awareness of world poverty in the 15 years I've been with Oxfam and this will help that further."

Alex Duffey, chairman of the Wiltshire Mercy Appeal, which coordinated the collection of aid for the tsunami hit countries, said it was important politicians took notice of the event.

"Twenty years ago it raised a stonking amount of money," he said. "This time the aim is to raise awareness and put pressure on the politicians and I think that's a good thing.

"It doesn't hurt for politicians to be made aware of these things.

"I think it will make an impact and Bob will do a good job of it.

"They have got a good line-up so it should get the point over."

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has given her backing to the event.

The Royal Parks Agency, part of the Culture Department, has pledged to expand the site by 50 per cent to give it a capacity of 150,000.

Ms Jowell said: "The Government is 100 per cent behind Live 8.

"We want it to be the biggest and best open air concert that the capital has ever seen.

"The G8 Summit in Edinburgh, which follows the concert, offers an opportunity for the world's developed nations to really make a difference - to do something positive for the Third World.

"Live 8 will set the scene, and we are proud to be able to help make it happen."

Playing in the park

Mariah Carey

Coldplay

Dido

Keane

Elton John

Annie Lennox

Paul McCartney

Muse

Razorlight

REM

Scissor Sisters

Stereophonics

Sting

Joss Stone

Robbie Williams

U2

Velvet Revolver

Bob Geldof

The Killers

Madonna

The Cure