6:50am Friday 20th November 2009
By Paul Teed
Excitement is building among Queen fans ahead of a ceremony to unveil a special Freddie Mercury memorial plaque.
Crowds will gather at the Centre, in Feltham High Street, on Tuesday to honour the musical legend.
Queen tribute band “Mercury” will play live at 11am, before a former bandmate joins the star’s closest friends and family to reveal the Hollywood-style star.
The singer lived in Gladstone Avenue, Feltham, after arriving from Zanzibar with his family in 1964 when he was 17-years-old. He studied art at Isleworth Polytechnic, which is now West Thames College.
Councillor Paul Jabbal, chairman of the west area planning committee, said: “I am delighted that at last we are honouring Freddie Mercury's memory and his achievements with a permanent memorial. “As well as celebrating his life and success, it can serve as a reminder that if you work hard you can succeed in whatever you do. “I'm looking forward to welcoming his family, friends and some band members to Feltham to show how proud we are to be associated with such a legendary artist.”
The granite plaque - the first in the UK to commemorate the Queen frontman - will be a permanent fixture in the shopping centre’s main piazza.
Lorraine Prideaux, manager of the Centre, said: “We are thrilled that the council approached us to be part of this event and become the permanent location of this amazing tribute.
“I’m certain that the memorial will continue to draw crowds year on year as fans celebrate the life of a true rock icon and will instil a real sense of pride amongst local people.”
For more information about the plaque unveiling, including parking and event details, visit thecentrefeltham.co.uk.
Are you a massive Freddie Mercury fan? Call Paul Teed on 020 8744 4273.
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