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27 October 2010

APN 13–10/11

ALL PARTY NOTICES  

BBC NI CHRISTMAS CAROL RECORDING – MANAGING THE IMPACT

Following the Speaker’s approval, the recording of the BBC’s 2010 Christmas Carol Special will take place this year in Parliament Buildings. The concert titled ‘Christmas Carols with the Priests’ will be a full TV production involving the three Priest tenors, choirs and several soloists, and will be recorded on Friday 5 th November. The broadcast will be shown the week before Christmas and repeated the week after. 

The purpose of this communication is to inform all users of Parliament Buildings of the likely impact of the extensive preparations required for this event. The major implications are summarised below. If anyone wishes to raise any additional concerns or would like any further information about the event please contact Louise Simpson (Outreach Manager) on 028 9052 1169.

We would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation during this time.

Wednesday 3rd Nov

18:00* – 23:00 Delivery of equipment via the main (front) entrance and installation of staging.

Access: It is not anticipated that this will impact significantly on routine business; however access to the Great Hall staircase and main doors may be impeded at times. Please find an alternative route if possible.

Noise: Noise levels are expected to be high during this time.

Thursday 4th Nov

9:30 – 17:30* Continuation of preparatory work e.g. lighting/sound equipment & camera installation in the Great Hall, including decoration of stage and Christmas trees.

Access: Accessvia the Great Hall staircase will be available, if required, throughout the day, however an alternative route should be used if possible.Access to, and around, the Great Hall and balconies may also be restricted at times for health and safety reasons.

Noise: Whilst the Great Hall will be very busy during set up, the television crew will work under order to minimise noise levels to ensure no impact on routine committee and parliamentary business. A member of staff in the Events Team will be present throughout the day to manage issues as they arise.

The work of the Assembly will take precedence during this time.

17:30* - 22:30 Full testing and sound check in preparation for rehearsals on Friday.

Access: Access via the Great Hall staircase may be limited. Please find an alternative route if possible. Access to and around the Great Hall and balconies may also be restricted. Please find an alternative route if possible.

Noise: Noise control cannot be guaranteed during this period.

* Times dependent on the finishing time of the last committee meeting.

Friday 5th Nov.

9:30 – 16:30 Rehearsals and sound checks.

Access: Access to and around the Great Hall and Balconies will be restricted at times for health and safety reasons. Access via the Great Hall staircase will be restricted throughout the day. Please find an alternative route.

Noise: Full sound rehearsals. Noise levels are expected to be high during this time.

17:00 – 19:30 Full dress rehearsal including TV recording.

Access: Access to and around the Great Hall and Balconies will be restricted at times for health and safety reasons. Access via the Great Hall staircase will be restricted throughout the day.

Noise: Full concert sound. Noise levels are expected to be high during this time.

There will be opportunity for members and staff to observe the rehearsal. Anyone wishing to use seating for this rehearsal are asked to contact Shane Watters, 028 9052 1975.

19:30 - 22.30 Audience arrive, final recording begins at 19:55

Access: There will be no access to and around the Great Hall and Balconies at this time.

Noise: Full concert sound. Noise levels are expected to be high during this time.

22:30 Recording ends and de-rig begins.

Access: Access to and around the Great Hall and Balconies will be restricted at times for health and safety reasons.

Noise: Noise levels are expected to be high during time.

Saturday 6th Nov

8:00 16:00 De-rig and removal.

Access: Access to and around the Great Hall and Balconies may be restricted at times for health and safety reasons.

Noise: Noise levels are expected to be high during time.