Tibetans living in Taiwan and Taiwanese gather to shout “Free Tibet” in Taipei yesterday to mark the 50th anniversary of the unsuccessful 1959 revolt against China that sent Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama into exile. PHOTO: AP

Thousands of Tibet supporters gathered in Taipei yesterday for a marathon concert organized by civic groups as part of a series of activities to commemorate the 1959 uprising in Tibet. Chanting “Free Tibet” and “Long live the Dalai Lama,” the crowd waved banners and Tibetan flags.

In unison, the crowd signed the letter “T” for Tibet with their arms after watching a short video clip of a speech by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who invoked a blessing on the performers and the future of Taiwan.