Eddie Izzard has taken over from John Cleese as compere

More than 11,000 people attended the sell-out event, entitled We Know Where You Live.

It follows in the footsteps of the famous Secret Policeman's Balls, which ran through the 1970s, 80s and 90s under the artistic direction of ex-Python John Cleese.

"For people who remember the Secret Policeman's Ball this will be a fresh look but hopefully just as successful," said Izzard.

The event was broadcast live on cable television.

The serious message behind the concert is to encourage more people to join Amnesty International, but organisers promised a "seriously funny night".

Jonathan Ross took to the stage

Singer Tom Jones tried his hand at comedy and Harry Hill, Richard Blackwood and Trigger Happy TV creator Dom Joly were also on the billing.

Mercury Music Prize winner Badly Drawn Boy was also performing.

Last week thousands of people took part in a London parade and street party to celebrate Amnesty's 40th anniversary.

The organisation was formed after a British lawyer set up a campaign to help prisoners of conscience after two Portuguese students were jailed for toasting freedom.

Richard Blackwood entertains the sell-out crowd

Forty years later, Amnesty International has intervened in the cases of 47,000 individuals, campaigning for an end to their torture, imprisonment or death sentence.

In recognition of its work, Amnesty was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977.

Letters written by supporters are sent to lobby governments and authorities on behalf of individuals or groups of individuals to get them out of jail or prevent them being tortured.