4 APRIL 2005

Copenhagen erupted in a blaze of colour over the weekend as the people of Denmark came together for an unforgettable birthday party. Crown Prince Frederik and his wife Mary took centre stage at the festivities, which were organised to mark the 200th anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen's birth.

The immensely popular Princess Alexandra was also present, looking her usual elegant self in a black gown with fuchsia print, while Danish supermodel Helena Christiansen was turning heads in a floor-length white number with ethnic detailing.

And it wasn't only local stars who turned out for the "Once Upon A Time" event in Copenhagen's national stadium. Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria also jetted in, along with former 007 Roger Moore and chart veteran Tina Turner.

Across Denmark, people spent the weekend celebrating their country's most famous author. Hans Christian Andersen, who was born just outside the capital on April 2, 1805, was the man behind such stories as Tom Thumb, The Emperor's New Clothes and The Ugly Duckling.

The writer's influence obviously reaches far beyond the borders of his home country, because in the months ahead some 3,000 events will take place all around the world. These range from the unveiling of Andersen statues in Vietnam to puppet shows in Australia and writing competitions in New York.