Thousands queue in London for tickets

While 150,000 tickets have been allocated through a text message lottery, still thousands queued up for last chance to grab the tickets.

Thousands of music fans lined up on Wednesday morning for a second chance to get into Saturday's Live 8 concert in London's Hyde Park.

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While 150,000 tickets have been allocated through a text message lottery, those who missed out got a second chance when Live 8 organisers announced they would allow another 55,000 fans to watch the concert on giant screens in Hyde Park.

Tickets were being distributed on a first come, first served basis at several locations in London, and in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Oxford and Southampton, starting at 1400 GMT Wednesday.

Robert McDonald, 41, said he entered the text lottery for tickets 25 times but was unsuccessful. He claimed his place at the head of the line at the Apollo Victoria theater at 1 pm (1200 GMT) Tuesday.

"I just basically want to go and see the groups and have a good day out and be a part of it," he said.

Behind McDonald, Aldo Seimandi, 22, and girlfriend Zoe Goodman were looking forward to seeing the Pink Floyd reunion. "I have been waiting for this moment for a long time," said Seimandi, who got in line at 4 pm (1500 GMT) on Tuesday.