Nelson Mandela memorial service: In pictures

Tens of thousands of people are joining world leaders at a memorial service for former South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg. The service is being held at the FNB stadium, where Mr Mandela made his last public appearance. It is also being shown on big screens at three "overflow" stadiums.

 

 Flags and banners were waved as the memorial got underway just over an hour late as deputy president of the ANC Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the crowd and welcomes those in the stadium and those watching around South Africa and around the world.

There were cheers of "Winnie! Winnie!" for ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela as she made her way to her seat inside the stadium.

South Africa's Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, a leading figure in the struggle against apartheid earlier said of Mandela: "He was a unifier from the moment he walked out of prison. We are relieved that his suffering is over, but our relief is drowned by our grief."

Since Mandela's death, Johannesburg has been blanketed in unseasonal cloud and rain but despite this the atmosphere inside the stadium is one of joy and celebration.

As the time for the ceremony to start draws near some of the dignitaries arrive, including South Africa's last white president FW De Klerk with his wife Elita.

Mr Mandela's successor as president, Thabo Mbeki also arrived with his wife Zanele.

Alongside the politicians a number of figures from the world of entertainment are attending the ceremony, including U2's lead singer Bono and South African actress Charlize Theron.

The former South African president died aged 95 last Thursday and the country is observing a series of commemorations leading up to the funeral on Sunday.

The BBC's Clive Myrie is outside the stadium and said: "A trickle of people are still arriving on buses, but the stadium is still only half full - it is torrential rain out here and I'm sure that it is affecting the number of people arriving. The "spillover" areas are said to be empty."

The ceremony is being broadcast across the world, with many in South Africa tuning in.

 

 The memorial service is expected to last four hours.

 

The service is being seen as a celebration of the life of Nelson Mandela with the crowd singing and chanting as they arrive inside the stadium.

 

 A mourner poses with his home-made hat as he arrives at the stadium.

 

 Plastic sheeting is removed from chairs on the main stage. More than 90 current heads of state or government are expected to attend.

The crowds are in high spirits - singing and dancing and stomping their feet.

For some the long wait is too much.

Pictures of Mandela are everywhere, on banners, flags and even tattoos.

The BBC's Pumza Fihlani reported that hundreds had formed queues outside by 05:00 eager to get one of the 95,000 seats.

The country is observing a series of commemorations leading up to the funeral on Sunday.

Some of the crowd arrived early, many singing songs from the fight against apartheid whilst waiting for several hours to get into the stadium