George Michael fans party in memory of pop star at charity club night in Covent Garden

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Chloe Chaplain9 January 2017

George Michael fans came out in force from around the world to dance and sing the night away at a charity event in memory of the star.

Covent Garden's Tropicana Beach Club said more than 2500 people attended a “marathon” George Michael Tribute Party at the venue, named after his hit ‘Club Tropicana’.

The event was in aid of the Terrence Higgins Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support and Childline - three charities the late star supported.

Guests, some of whom flew from America and Dubai to attend, were encouraged to get on stage and share their fondest memories of the pop singer.

Tribute night: Fans were encouraged to tell their favourite stories about the star

The audience responded with cheers when student nurse Hannah Jefferson-Smith, who had travelled down from Glasgow, shared that she had lost her virginity to ‘Careless Whisper’ when she was 20.

Amrit Sagoo, 40, dressed in the uniform of a policeman praised the star’s work for the LGBT community, saying: "As a gay man growing up around a lot of straight men, listening to George Michael gave me a sense of release.

"In my deepest, loneliest of times, his music was a source of comfort to me."

The event’s organiser described the singer, who was found dead at his home on Christmas day, as an “inspiration” to the LGBT community.

George Michael - In pictures

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“As a gay man myself, I have nothing but respect for George Michael,” Anthony Knight said.

“He didn’t just open the doors, he broke them down for the gay community. He inspired people to be proud of who they were and was a fantastic ambassador for LGBT rights."

Tribute night: The proceeds were donated to charities supported by the star

The club scrapped its usual entry fee and instead asked fans to give “what they could” to the causes.

“I have been humbled at the response,” added Mr Knight.

“We’ve been sent everything from signed George Michael concert tickets to football boots signed by premiership football stars to auction off to help reach our target of £10,000.”

The night raised £5500 and the club has also pledged to donate all takings from a ‘Club Tropicana’ cocktail special throughout of January.

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