Saturday night's all right for Elton that's the message from concert organisers ahead of the long-awaited gig.

Everything is in place for the thousands of ticketholders to have the night of their lives, with the stage all set and Sir Elton's piano delivered ready for the concert, which is taking place at Oxford's Kassam Stadium on June 24.

A 30-strong crew have been at the ground since Monday, preparing the pitch and erecting the stage. The Rocket Man is expected to arrive at the Kassam some time on Saturday, where staff have strict orders on items he expects in his dressing room, including flowers, Twinings tea, Diet Coke and San Pelligrino sparkling waters.

John Angus, operations director at the Kassam, said: "After months of planning and hard work, it's all come together.

"This week has been busy, but it's all worked well and we're all just looking forward to seeing Sir Elton live on stage. It's going to be great.

"The only thing we haven't got under control is the weather, but we're hoping it will stay dry."

The final touches were put to the stage yesterday and fire and health and safety checks carried out. This morning, Sir Elton's piano arrived together with the lighting rigs, guitars and drums.

Up until a week ago, there had been about 3,000 tickets still up for grabs, but a last-minute surge in sales means that, at the time of going to press, there are about 1,000 seats still available. People can buy those at the stadium box office.

Sir Elton is due to perform more than two hours of hits from a back catalogue spanning three decades. Among the classics he is expected to perform are Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Your Song, I Want Love, Are You Ready?, I'm Still Standing and Rocketman.

He will play a 22-song set and it is believed he will open his Oxford gig with Bennie & the Jets and Philadelphia Freedom.