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Michael Jackson vigil in Corby told to beat it
Fans from across the county have been paying tribute to the King of Pop – but attempts to hold a town centre vigil in his memory were blocked.
Michael Jackson died in an LA hospital in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Fans in the county rushed to pay tribute to Jackson, including Frances Burbage, 45, who had planned to hold a vigil outside the former Woolworths store in Corby town centre to allow fans to pay their respect.
But it was cancelled after town centre owners Land Securities said they would not allow it to take place.
Others who have bought tickets for his comeback tour are now trying to find out if they will get a refund.
Frances, from Selby Walk, Corby, said: "I just felt like I needed to go somewhere to pay tribute to Michael.
"I can't go to LA so I went to Corby town centre with pictures and candles.
"I'm just devastated and I'm sure there will be others who feel the same."
Frances has loved Michael Jackson since she was 14-years-old and was due to attend the opening night of his forthcoming tour at the O2 Arena in London with a friend.
She said: "I have seen him once before at the Milton Keynes Bowl when I was very young and ever since I found out we'd got tickets I've been playing his music constantly.
"I don't know what's going to happen with regards to the tickets now but I think they should put on a tribute show on the night. We'll definitely go."
A Land Securities spokesman said the vigil could not be allowed because of fears over health and safety and public order.
Anyone who had tickets to his shows will be refunded if they bought them from the O2 or ticket agencies including Ticketmaster or Seetickets, and should contact the vendor.
Those who bought tickets from third parties or from internet sites such as eBay should contact the seller for a refund.
Internet users logged onto the Evening Telegraph's Facebook page to air their worries over tickets.
Gary Massie said: "I had tickets for three shows.
"Suffice to say Ticketmaster has been engaged constantly since."
Other Jackson fans have paid their own tributes to the star, who is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest before his death.
Angela Edward said: "Love him or loathe him, Michael is a legend in music."
And Steven Wycherley, 39, from the Exeter Estate said: "I didn't know until I saw the bill in the ET window.
"It's very sad. I've grown up listening to his music.
"He's a brilliant musician regardless of what he's been accused of in the past."
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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