Jean Michel Jarre will host the 4th IFPI Platinum Europe Award honouring artists who achieve sales of one million recordings in Europe. Top artists from all over Europe will attend the prestigious biennial music Award on Wednesday, 10th July, at Hotel Le Plaza in Brussels.

Jean Michel Jarre said: "I am delighted to come back to Brussels for the fourth time for the IFPI Platinum Europe Award. Platinum Europe is a unique event that shows the very best that European music has to offer."

Performing live onstage at the event will be the British R&B band Blue who achieved Platinum status with their recent debut album, "All Rise". Finnish dance group Bomfunk MCs will also perform their pan-European hit "Freestyler" at the event. In the first award of its kind for a single, Bomfunk MCs will be honoured with a Platinum Award for this recording that achieved sales of two million despite a general downturn in the singles market.

Other artists who will be present to receive Platinum awards include Scottish group Texas; French singer Helena Segara; Italian singer Laura Pausini; German rock star Westernhagen; and Belgian singer Axelle Red.

Gerd Gebhardt, Chairman of IFPI Germany and of IFPI's Communications Committee said: "The Platinum Europe Award is the pre-eminent music industry sales award for the European music market. The range of talent from different European countries participating in this year's event demonstrates the vitality and diversity of music in Europe. It also shows the growing strength of local repertoire. It is specially gratifying to have Jean Michel Jarre return as host of this event."

The last award ceremony was held two years ago in July 2000, in which Jean Michel Jarre was presented with a special medallion for exceptional contribution to the music industry. Enjoy the photos, remember to click the image to see the larger version !