Los Olivos, California- Family, friends and fans flocked to Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch yesterday for a get-together that was part homecoming, part pep rally.

Scores of cars snaked up Figueroa Mountain Road in Los Olivos, Calif., and disappeared through the heavily guarded gates of the whimsical 2,700-acre estate.

“It’s time to party for Michael,” said William Burroughs, who described himself as a friend of the Jackson clan.

The pop star had been away from the ranch since he was arrested and released on $3 million bail last month.

He returned two days after prosecutors formally charged him with molesting a 13-year-old cancer patient at the estate.

His spokesman, Stuart Backerman, said the party was a chance for supporters to welcome home the self-styled Peter Pan – and for Jackson to thank them.

It also appeared to mark the start of a public-relations blitz, with a Web site dedicated to gushing tributes going online.

By midafternoon, some 600 people had arrived, but Jackson family members outnumbered bona fide celebrities.

Tennis star Serena Williams, one-time super rapper M.C. Hammer and “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest were there, Backerman said. Jackson’s parents, Katherine and Joseph, and siblings Jermaine, Jackie and LaToya were also present, along with defense lawyer Mark Geragos.

As he fielded questions, Backerman was approached by 8-year-old Tyler Larrison who asked, “I’m a fan. Can I get in?”

Backerman arranged for him to attend the party, while the boy’s mother assured reporters she had no concerns. “He’ll be with me every minute,” she said.

Soon after the party, Jackson will fly to England to fulfill “contractual obligations,” Backerman said.

Prosecutors approved the trip, but some British politicians are up in arms.

Labor Party MP Mark Tami wrote to Home Secretary David Blunkett to urge that Jackson be barred.

“It is inappropriate for him to come here – he is facing serious charges,” he told the BBC.