Good afternoon. We’re very pleased to report that Coldplay will be performing at Amnesty International’s Secret Policeman’s Ball at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, 4 March. Other acts appearing at the gala include Mumford & Sons, Jon Stewart, Russell Brand, Stephen Colbert and Reggie Watts.

Since John Cleese and friends brought together a star-studded mix of comedians and rock stars for The Secret Policeman’s Ball in 1976, the legendary Amnesty International show has championed the right to free speech for people across the world. The New York event – the first Secret Policeman’s Ball to be held outside the UK –  will help spread Amnesty International’s message to an even bigger audience.

“The Secret Policeman’s Ball is a reinforcement of the fundamental rights we’re all entitled to as citizens of the world,” said Andy Hackman, of Amnesty International. “It’s an honour that so many luminaries have agreed to join us and celebrate the right to life, liberty, security and freedom of opinion and expression.”

"We are so happy to be involved with the 2012 Secret Policeman’s Ball," said Chris Martin. "We have followed and supported Amnesty International – and the amazing work they do around the world in the field of human rights – for years, and it is a pleasure to be asked to contribute to such an inspiring event."

Tickets for the event will be sold via Ticketmaster, with an American Express customer pre-sale running from today until 29 January, and the general sale beginning on 30 January.

To find out more about The Secret Policeman’s Ball visit facebook.com/secretpoliceman and follow the Secret Policeman on Twitter at twitter.com/secretpoliceman.

Anchorman