About 60,000 people will take part in a grand gala on Tian'anmen Square in downtown Beijing Thursday evening to celebrate the 60th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

The gala will feature songs, dances and fireworks show eulogizing Chinese people's love for the nation and great unity of all ethnic groups.

Local residents, public servants, company workers, university students and servicemen will perform in the festivities to express their patriotism.

The gala is scheduled to last about an hour and 40 minutes.

(Xinhua News Agency October 1, 2009)