Vienna’s City Hall Square was transformed into a mythical world of pagan rites and fantastic spectacle on Saturday as the city hosted Europe’s biggest charity event, raising money for AIDS and HIV research, the Lifeball.<br /><br /> As in previous years, the 23rd Life Ball was a free-for all gala with an emphasis on diversity.<br /><br /> Tens of thousands of spectators pushed against barriers to ogle paying guests in formal dress rubbing shoulders with celebrities, party-goers dressed in little more than body paint and cross-dressers in wild costumes.<br /><br /> Top tickets went for 750 euros (850 US dollars) – a price that entitled holders to an all-night party inside the ornate City Hall chambers.<br /><br /> Actress Charlize Theron was among the celebrities in attendance and took the stage to urge continued support both for her South African AIDS charity organisation and the world-wide fight against HIV.<br /><br /> Also there were singers Paula Abdul, Mary J. Blige and Kelly Osbourne, burlesque artist Dita Von Teese, and Conchit
