London - Former South African president Nelson Mandela arrived in Britain Monday ahead of a celebrity-studded concert to be staged for his 90th birthday Friday.

The elder statesman is expected to host a dinner party with celebrities and world leaders on Wednesday including British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

His birthday concert, featuring the group Queen, Leona Lewis, Annie Lennox and Dame Shirley Bassey - among others - will be staged in Hyde Park on June 27.

There will also be South African music from the Soweto Gospel Choir. (dpa)