Live show will mark end of WWII

Stars from stage and screen are to take part in a live show in London to mark the end of the Second World War.

The musical spectacular, featuring Petula Clark, Claire Sweeney and Bruce Forsyth, will form the centrepiece of a week-long series of events remembering the 60th anniversary of the war's end.

The commemorations, led by the Queen, will also see a veterans' parade down The Mall, a mass poppy drop and a flypast of military aircraft.

The week culminates in a National Day of Remembrance on Sunday 10 July, when Her Majesty will attend a service of thanksgiving in Westminster Abbey before being guest of honour at the show in Horse Guards Parade.

As well as being broadcast live on the BBC, the performance will be shown on large screens down The Mall. Other names lined up for the event include actors Robert Hardy, Jane Horrocks and Simon Callow.

There will also be recordingsof speeches by Britain's wartime prime ministers, Winston Churchill and Neville Chamberlain.

Organisers said the show would include time to "reflect and remember" those who died in the War.

Other planned attractions include a display of military vehicles in The Mall and an art exhibition in Banqueting House. The commemorations will also see the unveiling of a monument in Whitehall to women who served in the war.

Many of the events will be free, including a massive " living museum" which will be set up in St James's Park from 4 to 10 July. The 25,000 sq metre site will include reenactments and hands-on displays giving an insight into wartime life.

"While it is important that veterans enjoy these commemorations, our aim is also to hand on the baton to the next generation so that we continue to remember those who gave up their lives and those who for six years lived incredible, unusual and difficult lives," said a Ministry of Defence spokesman.

The date of 10 July has been chosen as midway between Victory in Europe Day and Victory against Japan Day, when the war finally came to an end in the Far East.

Defence Secretary John Reid said: "This year's commemorative events will enable us to demonstrate to those who lived through the war at home and abroad that the sacrifices their generation made and the hardships they endured are still acknowledged, valued and appreciated.

"Her Majesty the Queen will lead the events taking place in London on National Commemoration Day, 10 July."

The lavish ceremonies follow criticism over the Government's commemoration of VE Day. Tony Blair was rapped by veterans for being the only major world leader not to attend the VE Day parade in Moscow.

Old soldiers also expressed disappointment that Britain marked the end of the war in Europe with only a low-key wreath-laying ceremony.