As the UK’s paper of record, The Times is this evening holding an exclusive members event with football legend and world-wide sporting icon David Beckham for 250 sports fans who subscribe to the title.

David Beckham Q&A Live is to be hosted by Matthew Syed, The Times’ Sports feature writer, at the National Football Museum in Manchester. Hundreds more subscribers are expected to watch the event – which starts at 7pm - for free, via a live stream direct to their smartphone, tablet or computer via www.thetimes.co.uk/beckhamlive

To subscribe to The Times, join The Times+ programme and register for the live stream, please see www.the-times.co.uk for further information.

Tickets to the sold-out event cost £15 per person, with all proceeds going to charity of David’s choice. The event sold out in a matter of hours, making the event the fastest-selling reader offer in Times+ history.

This exclusive event celebrates David Beckham’s hugely successful playing career - in May this year he brought down the curtain on two decades of thrilling football action, during which he proudly wore the shirts of Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and England. His stellar career has been characterised by the emotional highs of great goals and trophies and by more than the occasional set-back. Through it all Beckham has emerged as a universally adored figure.

Readers of The Times are invited to submit questions live into the event this evening, via Twitter and #BeckhamLive.

Matthew Syed, Sports writer for The Times, said: "I have interviewed David on a number of occasions and it's always very exciting. It'll be great fun to speak to him in front of a live audience and I look forward to hearing some new insights and anecdotes."

Claire Gribben, Head of Times+ at News UK, commented: “Market-leading features such as the Times+ membership and rewards programme – the first newspaper loyalty programme in the UK – have played an important role in attracting and retaining customers. We are thrilled to conclude our outstanding 2013 event season with David Beckham and are very proud of our range of inspiring guests who give their time to meet Times+ members.”

Included in the ticket price, guests attending the event will receive a copy of David Beckham by David Beckham published by Headline – co-hosts of the Times + David Beckham Q&A Live - on October 31.

Jonathan Taylor, Publisher of David Beckham by David Beckham at Headline, said: “Headline is absolutely thrilled to have partnered with David Beckham and The Times on what should be a fun evening.”

For Times+ members who are unable to attend the event or watch it live, the video of the event will be made available on the Times+ website at www.thetimes.co.uk/beckhamlive

Ends

There is no media access to the event this evening but for further information and to register for photos/footage of the event, please contact News UK on 0207 782 8000.

Notes to Editors

To subscribe to The Times/ Sunday Times please go to www.thetimes.co.uk for more information

The Times and The Sunday Times currently have over 153 thousand active digital subscribers and a further 207 thousand subscribe to the print edition and receive digital benefits as part of their package, confirming strong progress for both titles.

Times+ membership is exclusive to our subscribers. It brings readers closer to The Times and The Sunday Times, giving them more of what they love and saving them money.

Member are able to enjoy a wealth of events, offers and extras including complimentary film screenings, private views and expert talks, as well as a range of hand-picked offers and extras including money can’t buy prizes and rewards.

Past Times+ Q&As include Lou Reed (his last public appearance), Richard Dawkins, David Walsh and Pete Townshend. Forthcoming events for 2014 (dates to be confirmed shortly) include: ballet super-star, Darcey Bussell and Performance Director of British Cycling, Dave Brailsford

David Beckham by David Beckham, was published by Headline on October 31. It is available from the Times Bookshop for £22.50 (RRP £25), free p&p, on 0845 2712134 or at thetimes.co.uk/bookshop