Hundreds of celebratory events

John Peel's legacy to music is set to be marked by hundreds of gigs held across the UK.

The first-ever John Peel Day, held on the one-year anniversary of the broadcaster's last show, is billed as a day of celebration of the DJ's life and contribution to music.

The legendary DJ, whose dedication to promoting new music launched the careers of countless musicians, died on 25 October last year from a heart attack while on holiday in Peru.

At least 300 concerts have been organised in venues ranging in size from the backrooms of pubs to large concert halls, many of them featuring the kind of unsigned bands Peel championed.

Other events are also being held in Spain, Germany, Italy, the US, Holland, New Zealand and Canada.

BBC Radio 1's output will be dedicated to Peel from 7pm onwards with a six-hour show featuring tributes from Radio 1 DJs, special guests and live music.

Roger Daltrey, Sir Elton John, Robert Plant, David Gilmour and Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks are also appearing on a tribute single alongside newer acts.

The single is the brainchild of Peel's son, Tom Ravenscroft.

The commemorations kicked off on Wednesday night with a concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, featuring New Order, The Fall and Super Furry Animals.

New Order frontman Bernard Sumner told the crowd the band would have got "nowhere" without Peel's support for their former incarnation, Joy Division.