STUDENTS at the Oxford Union are planning to stage a memorial talk with celebrity guests in honour of singer Michael Jackson.

The proclaimed ‘King of Pop’ collapsed and died in Los Angeles from a suspected heart attack last Thursday.

The singer’s most high-profile visit to Oxford was his appearance at the Oxford Union in March, 2001, which attracted hundreds of fans to the centre of the city.

Fans waited for hours in the rain for a glimpse of their idol, who agreed to give a talk to 500 people about child welfare.

Now members of the Union, which stages debates and talks featuring high-profile speakers, are planning a memorial event.

Union president James Dray, 26, a politics postgraduate, said members of the committee booking speakers were now discussing how best to stage it.

He said: “Our new programme starts on October 10 and we would like to schedule a talk.

“Over the next few months we will be trying to contact people who were close to the singer to see if they are available to take part.

“Michael Jackson’s visit was quite an important day in the history of the Oxford Union, and we want to stage something to mark that occasion. I wasn’t around at the time, but I gather the whole of Oxford came to a standstill as people waited for Michael Jackson to arrive.”

Following the singer’s death, staff at the Union in St Michael’s Street have been collecting together photographs of the singer’s visit.

More than 20,000 people applied to hear the singer speak, but only 500 were allowed in.

Mr Dray added: “Our plans are at a tentative stage and we never say or confirm who we have approached, but we always try to attract the most high-profile speakers. I am saddened by Michael Jackson’s death — it was very kind of him to come and give a talk at the Union and we want to honour him in some way.”

It is understood that committee members are approaching members of Michael Jackson’s entour- age, close friends and members of his family.

Two possible candidates to take part in the memorial talk include illusionist Uri Geller, who persuaded Jackson to give the talk, together with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, then an Oxford-based rabbi.

Mr Geller said last night he would try to take part if he was available.

He said: “This is a great idea, a gallant idea, and daring and sensitive.

“I wish the Oxford Union all the best with their plans — of course I will consider taking part if I am in the country.

“I hope they manage to pull it off. It was an unusual evening when Michael came to the Union and I’m sure hundreds of people will try to get tickets for the latest talk.”

affrench@oxfordmail.co.uk