May Day, the workers' holiday, falls on a Sunday this year so there will be no extra holiday in Italy, but the annual trades union sponsored concert will be held as usual at the Piazza S. Giovanni in Rome.

The three trades unions responsible for the concert CGIL, CISL and UIL are saving money on this 15th edition and have chosen a line-up of stars that is home grown, with one or two exceptions; but there will be more performers than ever, including Afterhours, Avion Travel, Irene Grandi, Le Vibrazione, Marlena Kuntz, Nomadi, Sud Sound System, Tiromancino, Velvet and Francesco De Gregori. The only foreigners will be Juliette Lewis of the Licks and James Blunt, a special performance of the Il Pinocchio Nero and a video appearance by Bruce Springsteen.

Progress and legality are the theme of this years concert and as usual large crowds are expected. Seven giant screens will enable all comers to get a good view and the whole concert will be broadcast live on state television RAI 3.

The concert is free but a collection will be made during the concert for AMREF, African medical and research foundation.

May Day concert, Sunday 1 May from 16.00-24.00, Piazza S. Giovanni in Laterano.