Jackson to throw kids holiday party at Neverland

Michael Jackson is throwing the gates of his Neverland Valley Ranch -- the place where he is accused of molesting a young boy -- open to dozens of children for a holiday party on Friday.

Representatives for the pop music superstar said Jackson had invited groups of children to enjoy a day at the fairy-tale ranch in what has become an annual tradition over the holiday season.

It was not clear whether Jackson, 46, would be attending the party himself. The entertainer is free on bail ahead of trial scheduled for late January on a 10-count indictment of child molestation. Jackson has pleaded innocent.

Neverland, a sprawling estate in the foothills of Santa Barbara, California, has played a key role in the case against Jackson. Prosecutors allege it was there that, almost two years ago, Jackson plied a boy with alcohol, engaged in "lewd acts" with him, then conspired with his staff to cover up his misdeeds.

Another pretrial hearing in the case is set for Monday when Jackson's defence team will seek again to have the charges dismissed.

Jackson has frequently opened his home to children. Video footage shot for a television documentary broadcast in 2003 showed children playing on a miniature train ride and other theme park style rides in the grounds, which also house a small zoo.

Jackson said last year he no longer considers Neverland his home after at least two extensive police raids searching for evidence against him.

- REUTERS