NEWS RELEASE
24 November 2005

Capital welcomes King Kong Red Carpet Screening

Since receiving the green light last week Wellington is abuzz with preparations for the Red Carpet Screening of King Kong at the Embassy Theatre on Wednesday 14 December.

“It’s very exciting,” says Mayor Kerry Prendergast. “We’re expecting thousands of people to flock to Courtenay Place when the red carpet is rolled out for the cast and crew of King Kong.

“It’s a privilege to host another red carpet event for Peter Jackson, Peter is a home-town hero and we consider this a home-town film because so much filming was done locally.”

The red carpet will run from Allen Street to the Embassy Theatre. A big screen will be placed near the Cambridge Terrace end of Courtenay Place so everyone can see the action. Grandstands will be erected on Cambridge and Kent Terraces. There will be red carpet entertainment from around 3.30pm with the stars expected to arrive at around 6pm.

In order to prepare Courtenay Place for the Red Carpet Screening the following roads will be closed to most vehicles from 11pm Tuesday 13 December until around 4am Thursday 15 December:

- Courtenay Place (Tory Street to Cambridge Terrace)

- Cambridge Terrace (Tennyson Street to Wakefield Street)

- Kent Terrace (Wakefield Street to Elizabeth Street)

- Allen Street

- Blair Street.

Limited access to Allen and Blair Streets will be provided for residents and retailers until 10am Wednesday 14 December.

There will be a single lane on Kent Terrace which will allow for a left-turn on Majoribanks Street from 11pm Tuesday 13 December until noon Wednesday 14 December. At noon on Wednesday 14 December, Kent Terrace and Majoribanks Street will be closed to traffic.

As a result of the road closures there will be traffic diversions and no parking available in the closed-off zone. The Council is asking motorists to pay close attention to traffic signage on the day to ensure vehicles do not remain in the no-parking zone.

Northbound buses to the railway station will operate on Courtenay Place throughout the morning rush until 9.30am on Wednesday 14 December. The only other vehicles allowed are emergency vehicles and those authorised for set-up.

Emergency services and Police are aware of the closures and will have alternative routes planned.

“This celebration is another fantastic event to round off what has already been an amazing year for events for Wellington – we are truly the events capital,” says Mayor Prendergast.

Mayor Prendergast is also encouraging people coming to the Red Carpet Screening to check out the recently installed Tripod sculpture in Courtenay Place. Created by Richard Taylor and Weta Workshop, Tripod acknowledges the contribution of the local film and television industry. “Tripod is a great addition to the city’s public art trail. It’s been a huge success with lots of people having their photo taken beside it. I’m encouraging all visitors to the city to check it out when they’re down in Courtenay Place.”

ENDS

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