An annual Tony Benn memorial event will be launched this month by the Stop the War Coalition (STWC) of which he was president.

Jeremy Corbyn MP, George Galloway MP, STWC convenor Lindsey German and comedians Shappi Khorsandi, Joe Wells and Ava Vidal will appear at the event on Sunday March 29 at London’s Seven Dials Club at 7pm.

Mr Benn was president of STWC from its founding in 2001 until his death in March last year.

STWC said: “This event is to commemorate his birthday with speeches, poetry and humour and will be a celebration of the encouragement he gave us.

“As a political and social activist campaigning for a better world, free from war and poverty, Tony Benn was an inspiration and guide over many decades.

“He said shortly before he died, ‘All I would want on my gravestone would be: Here Lies Tony Benn: He Encouraged Us.’ He certainly did.”