Leicester fans in vigil for Michael Jackson
Mourners old and young gathered outside the Curve Theatre, in Orton Square, Leicester, to pay tribute to the King of Pop, who died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles, California, last week.
Candles were laid out to spell the star's initials, MJ, and RIP, as crowds gathered around.
Organiser Anand Bhatt, of Wigston, said he wanted to provide a platform for fans to pay tribute to the pop star.
The 29-year-old said: "When someone dies, you gather with other people who knew that person.
"Michael Jackson is a bit different because I wasn't necessarily his friend, but I want to get together with other people who were touched by him in the way that I was to share thoughts and memories."
Mitchell Saddington, 27, from Stocking Farm, said he had been a Michael Jackson fan all his life.
He said: "I've grown up on his music and he's had a huge impact on my life.
"His music has helped me through troubled times and it's been a celebration through happy times as well.
"I wanted to come down and pay my respects."
Reena Jaisiah, 29, travelled from Coventry to attend the vigil, which started at around 10pm.
She said: "I feel lost and lonely and there's nowhere to express how I'm feeling. People say 'how can you miss someone who you've never met?' but they don't understand how his fans are feeling.
"I just wanted to pay tribute to someone who has enriched my life."
Shailesh Parmar, from Syston, attended the vigil with his two sons, Rian, seven, and Kaylan, four.
He said: "We are all big fans. I've grown up on Michael Jackson's music."
Fans of Michael Jackson hold a candlelit vigil in Leicester
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