Narendra Modi's Olympics-style welcome attracts thousands in UK

London, Oct 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Olympics-style welcome planned at the iconic Wembley Stadium here during his maiden visit next month has attracted an "overwhelming" response, with over 60,000 applying for the free tickets and prompting organisers to release a limited number of extra tickets from tomorrow.

The organisers from Europe India Forum (EIF) have decided to release a limited number of extra tickets from tomorrow until October 28th to allow more people to register for the 'UK Welcomes Modi' event on November 13.

While the deadline for public registrations closed, the set of extra tickets will be available for online booking at ukwelcomesmodi.org.

"Due to unprecedented demand, we will release a limited number of extra tickets for the community reception in honour of Shri Narendra Modi at Wembley Stadium, for which there has already been an overwhelming response," the EIF said in a statement.

Over 60,000 people from across 250 cities of the UK have applied for the free tickets to attend the reception, titled 'Two Great Nations. One Glorious Future'.

"The event is the highlight of Modi's visit to the UK next month, during which he is set to attend the biggest community reception for any foreign elected leader on British soil," the EIF said. "Over 450 diverse community organisations have already joined UKWelcomesModi as welcome partners, bringing with them a large proportion of the 1.6 million-strong British Indian diaspora.

They will be treated to a one-of-a-kind cultural programme, followed by the set piece event – Prime Minister's first address in the UK," Keerti Mathur, from the programme committee said.

"We have a fantastic line up for the cultural programme, showcasing the very best of UK and Indian talent; collaborating music, dance, theatre and culture from both nations in a way that has never been done before," said Mayuri Parmar, another member of the programme committee.

"Indian community groups in the UK have also launched a 'Modi Express' bus for a month-long tour around iconic landmarks in central London to mark Modi's maiden visit to the country as Prime Minister.

"We have had Chai Pe Charcha in India, now we will have Bus Pe Charcha in the UK," Parmar said. According to sources, Modi will be given a special flypast by Red Arrows - UK's Royal Air Force (RAF) Aerobatic Team - over Buckingham Palace as they would mark the Indian premier's visit with a traditional red, blue and white colour smoke from their Hawks over the London sky.

Modi is expected to arrive in London on November 12 for a three-day visit before leaving for Turkey on November 14 to attend the G20 leader's summit in Antalya - scheduled for November 15-16.

Besides his British counterpart David Cameron, his official meetings in the UK are expected to include an audience with Queen Elizabeth II.

PTI