The commenter TheTruthHurts makes some remarks on this post here about the pretty dismal turnouts at the Live Nation BT Live events in Victoria Park.
Regular readers will remember the fuss about these events and how, in the words of several Tower Hamlets councillors, Live Nation, one of the world’s biggest event promoters, “bullied” the borough’s Town Hall into some “frightening” indemnity clauses.
Over the past few days a couple of executive decisions taken by Mayor Lutfur Rahman have caught the eye. I’ll deal with his version of Educational Maintenance Allowance in another post but for the moment, let’s look at his news for Victoria Park.
On October 20, he signed off a deal with events organiser Live Nation to run gigs in Victoria Park during the Olympics next year. The decision document (it’s well worth a read) reveals much longer than anticipated negotiations with Live Nation over the past year and that there remains a significant degree of uncertainty about what will happen.
However, what we do know is this:
Live Nation, with the blessing of the council, will cordon off with giant hoardings a large section of the park for six weeks next summer
In the week prior to the Opening Ceremony on July 27, Live Nation are looking at staging three “commercial gigs” (ie you buy tickets) each with a 30,000 capacity. The report raises some doubt over whether these will actually take place, however.
On each day from from July 27 until the closing ceremony on August 12, there will be “free to access” gigs/screens/events that will be licensed from noon until 12.30am. These events will be ticketed but they will be free. There will be a capacity of 30,000 people at any one time. The council has negotiated a daily allocation of 4,000 tickets for Tower Hamlets residents who will have to pay a £3.50 booking fee for a maximum of four each.
Live Nation estimate 1.2million visitors to their Victoria Park events during the Games.
The gigs and events will be aimed at “young people, families and sport” (note that older people who have paid taxes all their lives don’t seem to be welcome, they’ll just have to endure the noise – welcome to One Tower Hamlets). There will be an allocation of tickets for athletes.
Tower Hamlets council, the GLA and Live Nation will each contribute £100,000 for “the programme content”.
The council admits the impact of the park will be “significant” but it boasts that it has secured a good deal for residents. Well, what is that deal? It had hoped to charge a venue hire fee of £600,000, according to the document, but that seems to have been over-optimistic. It appears that Live Nation has negotiated that down to £442,285, which is about £10,000 a day for the six week period that an area of the park will be closed off. The fee is equivalent to 36pence for each of the 1.2million people expected to attend.
The small print is also worrying. The council has secured an £80,000 refundable deposit from Live Nation as a bond to clear the mess and damage to the park, but in return the council has agreed to agreed to indemnify Live Nation up to £20million if certain clauses are breached.
This is a staggering sum, so what is the main clause they’re worried about? Answer, the unauthorised issuing of press releases by the council. The argument is that if the council goes ahead with its own publicity that could damage the worldwide reputation of Live Nation’s artistes. Clearly, Live Nation has been reading about Takki Sulaiman, the council’s hapless “communications chief”, on this blog.
Although I’ve complained here before about the council using the park as a cash cow, I think the Olympics has to be the exception. Vicky Park, which is only a 15 minute walk from the main stadium at most (depending on routes will be open) will be the centre for Games entertainment. I just hope that they provide something that caters for everyone not just the Lovebox crowd.
Essentially, the council allowed itself to be gagged.
So, what has been the reality of the Live Nation/Lovebox experience? Friends of mine who went to the first night as the Olympics Opening Ceremony took place said it was busy but with shambolic queues outside. They also said the sound system was pretty terrible.
I went myself last Sunday and was shocked at how few people who were there.
It was a real shame in some ways. The big wheel is excellent and probably just about worth the £7 fee for adults. The stage was perfectly intimate for a high school band from Chicago playing to 30 odd spectators and the big screens are also good when there is a major event on: it was great watching Liz Armitstead get her cycling silver with a crowd of about 100 people…
But that’s where the positives end. The park itself looked as drab and poor as I have seen it and the weather has not helped teh large mud patches left since Lovebox.
Getting into the event was also shambolic and pretty disgraceful. Although there seemed to be only a few hundred people inside when we arrived, we had to wait 30 minutes for the pleasure of airport style security checks. I understand the small risk of a deadly knife attack but is it really necessary to treat grandparents and small children as potential criminals?
Remember, Live Nation sold these free events to the council on the promise that it would be aimed at young people and families. Well, on the Sunday afternoon I went, family after family who turned up with picnics had all their food confiscated at the gates. Even packets of crisps were snatched and chucked away. People were rightly furious. Clearly, there is no such thing as a free lunch when Live Nation are in town.
So without food, parents would surely be able to feast themselves inside on a dazzlingly diverse range of food that reflected the heritage of Tower Hamlets? Surely, Shiraj Haque had managed to persuade Lutfur Rahman to set up curry stalls and the like?
Er, no: just the usual sorry-looking festival food outlets selling fried chicken, burgers, hog roasts, noodles and pizza.
I asked Tower Hamlets Council whether, during their negotiations with Live Nation, they had asked for any locally sourced food to be sold. “That was part of our negotiations,” a spokeswoman said. ie They asked, but were told to get real. You see, this is where Live Nation hoped it would be making its return.
I also asked the council for attendance figures. Their first response on Thursday was: “20,000 on the first night…we were pleased attendances doubled yesterday.” What were the actual figures, I asked again. Oh, we can’t tell you, it’s Live Nation’s event – ask them. ie We can’t say anything that might be construed as negative because we’ll be sued.
So I asked Live Nation. Spokeswoman number one said 20,000 on the opening night and an average of 8,000 a day thereafter. Again, I asked for the daily breakdown. “That’s the only number we have,” she said. So when I said that an average can only be worked out by having the daily breakdowns, her boss, a very senior dude within Live Nation, called me.
He eventually read them out:
July 27 – 18,814
July 28 – 14,759
July 29 – 8,039
July 30 – 8,169
July 31 – 7,031
Aug 1 – 8,235
Aug 2 – 10,462
Note, these are total daily attendance figures, not the peak crowds at any one time. As you can see, they are a little more than 10 per cent of what the council and Live Nation were expecting.
I then pressed the senior guy from Live Nation on the question of food confiscation: quite categorically he told me that that was beyond their control, that they had to adhere to Locog’s rules (Locog run the Olympic Games). That’s funny, I said, because I’ve been going into the Olympic Park every day with sandwiches and packets of crisps and not once have they been taken, even by the G4S guards. So he went away and came back a few minutes later and said their rules have now been relaxed, that families can now take in–wait for this–Mars bars, crisps and sweets!
What about sandwiches and other picnic items, I asked? No can do, he said, Locog rules…yeah, right.
There are a few interesting aspects about all this: one is that Tower Hamlets need to consider very carefully when dealing with these big promoters. In this case, I suspect it’s all been a failure and the promise of a share of the profits will never materialise.
Instead of whoring itself for a simple hire fee, the council should have ensured its residents and taxpayers received a better deal; it should have forced Live Nation to include more diverse and healthier food. That would also have had the bonus of enhancing the atmosphere in the park.
To be fair some of poor attendances are probably a result of the unexpected London ghost town effect and the temperamental weather hasn’t helped, but I also suspect that word of mouth about the rip-off entrapment exercise has got round.
What have been your experiences?
UPDATE – Monday, August 6, 1.50pm
In response to a comment made by ‘You couldn’t make it up!’ below, I thought I’d take another quick peep at the Live Nation mega festival during my run in Victoria Park earlier. Again, outside the gates, there were several families eating sandwiches that they were forbidden to take in.
Watching people go through security made my heart sink: because they don’t actually have x-ray machines, the bag searches are all done by hand. The look on one elderly woman’s face as a guard went through every single section of her handbag, asking questions about various items, was quite pitiful.
Apparently, it was busier inside yesterday, but today it looked as dreadful as the last time I went. There must have been a few hundred people in there at most. When one of the bands was playing, there were six people watching.
But to answer the question from ‘You couldn’t make it up!’ I asked every food stall where they and their companies were from. When I asked one of the girls at the Hog Roast stall if she was from Tower Hamlets, I could have been speaking a foreign language. “What’s that?” she said. I told her it was where she was now. “I haven’t got a clue where I am now. We just go wherever we’re told–we’re from Stoke-on-Trent.”
Next door, the Noodles stall said they were from south-east London. A bit further along, the Fish and Chips stall said they were from Bromley in Kent, while the Paella man said they were from Stevenage in Hertfordshire. The burger stalls are all from Cardiff.
Not one of the stalls was from Tower Hamlets and that has to be a failure on the part of the council.
But here’s another thing: while the council is gagged from criticising Live Nation, its partners are free to condemn Tower Hamlets. All of the stall holder are furious with the council. “They deserve a slap,” one woman told me. “They’ve not bothered to advertise one bit. They’ve just left us to sink. It’s been terrible. We’ll never come back here again.”
To me, that’s good news, but the control Tower Hamlets has had over this has been frightening. My other half had a decent suggestion: if these events were meant to be for young people, families and sport, why didn’t they organise some kind of sporting competition for kids each day? That would have given it a theme and a sense of purpose. Instead, when there are no interesting Olympic events taking place, people just wander around very bored and looking for something to do.
And one other discovery from my trip today. Remember this?
Well, the reason Boris was the first to try the Zip Wire in the park last Wednesday was because it hadn’t been signed off by the Health and Safety people until the day before. They had had serious problems during the tests when testers complained of sore necks due to the high speed at which they were breaking. The reason for this, I was told, was because the tower was too high and the trajectory too steep. To fix it, they had to lower the tower by taking out a couple of levels…which is why the Mayor of London found himself dangling like a doughnut.
My experience was being turned away on Friday for having a camera with a large lens. 6″ is the limit on lens size, but I can find that on the info they sent me. There are no Olympic events happening here, so I suppose they were frightened in case somebody took a photo of the TV screen.
The lad on the x-ray machine called his boss over, this is the fat bloke who has been trained to cause fury by insisting that the customer should be silent for at least 5 seconds before he will speak.. Yes, exactly the same as in primary school.
What an arsehole. You would have thought they wanted people in their event. I live next to the park and my family was in there, but I didn’t put my camera at home and come back because I’d been so antagonised by the idiot on security.
Why, why, why airport security? And even if it is airport security, why then add more conditions on top of that? What an incompetent organisation they are. I hope LBTH never have anything to do with them again.
Well Ted you know me and how I hate any kind of injustice and skulduggery but the experience of attending this even left a very sour taste
I have so much to say but unfortunately I am not posting my experience at this time as my situation is now with a solicitor
.
I really hope others who have had the experience of the Hoe down and over Zealous security bouncers will do as me and many people who I have spoken to take legal action against this company
I was also witness to two over active Bouncers I would call them pull a lady forward on her wheelchair and search on her chair she was very distressed but more upset when they poured her container of juice which was in her flask which she needed because of her diabetes.
She did not stay with her two young daughters as she could not risk not having her flask but I really hope she reads this and takes this further and I will be her witness
And as for the figures from July 31st all I can say they must have had a revolving door and let the few hundred people who were in there that day in and out to boost the numbers
I ventured to The Live Site two days before Boris got stuck on the zip wire. I went with my wife after work; we were both fasting so we took a few dates, some fruit and a bottle of water.
Security refused to allow us in with our food. I got into an argument with him and then another, more reasonable security guard said we could take the food in.
When we got in, (the site was pretty empty) we didn’t stay for long. In terms of numbers, I would say less than 100 people were there. No atmosphere, shitty food and the zip wire wasn’t working. And it still wasn’t working two days later, isn’t that right Boris?
Last weekend, Mile End Residents Association (MERA) published a blog post about Live Nation’s incompetent crowd management by its security team at Mile End between 1am and 2am following the Opening Ceremony
MERA always documents problems in the Mile End area – using photos and video – and then publish these alongside the names of those involved and our comments on our website and blog.
MERA objected to the licence for this event and attended the Council’s Licensing Sub-Commitee Meeting to give evidence as to our objections (which related to crowd management at Mile End) and the nature of the licence which Live Nation applied for.
At the Committee meeting, they stated words to the effect of “we’re very experienced in running these sorts of events and you can trust us – we know what we’re doing when it comes to crowd management”. Clearly this sort of statement should not be taken at face value as it was UNTRUE. The precise concerns which we highlighted in our evidence to the Committee all happened on the night and are documented in our blog post.
As a result we met with the Council’s Head of Arts and Events to review the arrangements late on Sunday evening. He told us that there had only been 15,000 people there on the Friday night. Live Nation also offered to meet with us.
In the end we didn’t pursue the issue of crowd management any further last week as it became very evident very quickly that there were no crowds to worry about in the evening. An event which was originally supposed to need a licence for 30,000 maximum capacity had managed to attract no more than approx 3,000 last Sunday evening.
MERA asked for a copy of the Crowd Management Plan over a week ago. Neither the Council nor Live Nation have yet provided us with a copy. This is a plan which normally should have been submitted with the licence application and it should be a public document. We now wonder whether it in fact exists.
Nowhere does it say ALL food and drink must be prevented from entering the site. Either Live Nation managers and staff haven’t yet learned how to read regulations or what they’ve been saying about “no food past security” is all about trying to extract as much cash as possible from those attending.
Does the Council really think that this is an appropriate approach for a family oriented event in a borough where many families live in poverty?
It looks to us like there ought to be a comprehensive review of what went wrong with this event and this contract.
Maybe if the Council declines to do a review then the local communities affected by events in Victoria Park should do it instead – and possibly publicise the results as a warning to any other Council contemplating a contract with these people?
After all, it’s entirely possible that the gag on the Council saying anything about the event exists because of their track record in running events. Might it be possible that Live Nation don’t want future clients to hear about what it’s really like at their events?
It’s a good thing we have free speech and that they cannot also gag the blogs of those with whom they have no contract when it comes to evidence about what it’s really like at a Live Nation event!
The majority of the Bow East side of the park fenced off with a “Berlin Wall” painted in dark forboding colours, intimidating sloth-style “security”, instead of “welcome to LBTH/London 2012”, there is a never-ending list of forbidden items from food through to cameras to poodles.
Yet 2 minutes away in the estates of Bow we have groups of young people doing what they always do on a summer evening – sitting around in groups with not much else to do. The elderly who used to be able to enjoy walks through the park somehow never seem to enjoy their park now. I wonder why?
The fact has always been, the council officers who “negotiate” these ridiculous contracts more often than not do not live anywhere near Bow or even within the borough. The Mayor and his Cabinet have sadly proved yet again that they are probably out of their depth when it comes to executive leadership. Tower Hamlets is the only ‘front bench’ these guys and gals will sit on. Although there are some nice cheap front benches that have been bought for Victoria Park they could try for size.
Equally, the SIX ward councillors in Bow have been too busy tweeting over the heads of the ordinary person to bother with proper scrutiny over something which has removed the one green local amenity from the local population for the entire summer months. So, what happens is the park is used as a cash cow yet again, and no one in elected office has the good grace to say “sorry we really did screw up this time”.
They anticipated 19,999 people every day – they are nowhere near this figure – I know – I walk around the perimeter fence every day with our dogs. How come local people, Bow and Tower Hamlets residents, were never once encouraged to make it THEIR Olympic festival. The opportunity for some lateral thinking and vision was phenomenal – working with youth groups etc.
The Council secured a miserly £80,000 to put the park back to its usual condition afterwards. Forgive me if one has to LOL – after LoveBox which lasted a few days it ought to have cost a lot more than £80K to fix the park.
They had £12 million recently for the Park, and it beggars belief where that went to. Oh whoops, I forgot a vast wildflower (sic) meadow. But we don’t get colourful English wildflowers like the local housing association (Old Ford) has managed to recreate on some of our estates. Oh no, Tower Hamlets Council and their well paid consultants, always trend-setting in their approach, have given us the very postmodern concept of a Wildweed meadow. I jest not. And, in case we silly local residents wondered why weeds cost so much these days, the Council has already started spending the Live Nation income erecting signs all across this “meadow” (ROFL), explaining that although it may not look like a widlflower meadow, and in fact there are no flowers what we are seeing before us “REALLY IS A WILDFLOWER MEADOW”. Of course it is Mr Mayor and Mr Head of Parks. ……………………….by the way, as a local resident one question – do they no longer offer horticultural classes in Tower Hamlets?
Oh I was also going to mention the massive economic boost Live Nation has given local businesses, but alas many of those are in crisis talks with their accountants to guarantee survival come the autumn, so I am unable to ascertain the exact bounce in profit margins.
Let’s face it Bow and Victoria Park is so far removed from the ruling Bangladeshi elite (this is not racist – it is a fact – 30% of our population control 100% of the Cabinet – how very representative), they couldn’t give a damn as long as they saw the grand total of £442,285 in the income column. In pounds sterling this is actually a miserly sum – perhaps in another currency it appears different. Je ne sais pas.
I still don’t get why they want the airport like security. If I had a Clueseau-type bomb, black and round with a burning fuse coming out of the top, and walked up tot heat perimeter fence, I could just chuck it over.
Why would I render a deodorant ot perfume bottle into a bomb if it is as easy as that?
Pure incompetence.
Technically it is possible to turn a cigarette packet into a decent inflammatory device – in the days when all we had to fear were the good auld IRA it was one of the tricks to look out for. I suppose it’s just as well people don’t smoke so much – or else I look forward to the punchups when some high-minded security guy tries to separate a smoker from his/her fags 😉
Dan – you nailed it! Yet again “you could not make it up!” Only in Tower Hamlets – the home of missiles on top of people’s homes to guard against the terrorists!
I’ve got an idea. How about a new Olympic competition for chucking sandwiches over the fence? 😉
Joking aside – I’ve got a question for Ted. Do we know how many of the food vendors inside the “Berlin Wall” are local companies? Wasn’t this Olympics supposed to be benefiting the local economy?
Why on earth does this Council develop Council Policies on improving the health of local people through the promotion of healthy eating and then behave as if they’ve never ever heard of these policies when awarding contracts and granting permissions? Actions speak louder than words – which means this Council’s commitment to healthy eating is a complete joke.
It’s very, very simple to make it an absolute condition of all park hire in Tower Hamlets by any and all event organisers that:
1) all food and drink vendors for events must be regulated businesses based in the borough. That would mean that all money spent on food and drink at events in Tower Hamlets would benefit the local economy. (The Council could run an annual competition to create a list of vetted and approved food/drink vendors for events which can then be made available to event organisers)
2) a percentage of all food stalls within the park MUST be devoted to healthy eating options. I’d say this ought to be at least 50-60%.
3) all events targeting children and selling food MUST have options which include family friendly prices for children’s food for those on a limited budget
The fact that the Council already has a policy about promoting healthy eating is a good reason for making sure actions speak louder than words when it comes to delivery!
The fact that event organisers won’t like it is not an excuse for not doing it. They don’t like a lot of regulations but they have to live with them – witness the fact that they pulled the plug on Bruce Springsteen in Hyde Park! They know they have to live within the rules on a range of matters if they want to get access to a park as an event site again.
Who makes policy on using parks in Tower Hamlets. Counter Olympics wanted to use Victoria Park on 28th July to finish its demonstration. Heather Bonfield wrote and said no way could we use any parks and there would be no appeal. I gather Ms Bonfield is a consultant and not permanent staff. After some lobbying by politicians we were then given permission by Michael Rowan to use Wennington Green without any major restrictions, just not to drive vehicles into it. This was then overturned by Ms Bonfield who insisted we were not allowed to hold any speeches but just disperse from the Green. After further lobbying this was modified to a 3.30pm finish!
Many thanks for finding out the information about the vendors. I’m not in the least bit surprised at the answers.
Just think – if it had been local vendors providing decent food they could have generated enduring customers in the long run for their local restaurants and cafes. That could make a real difference to the local economy and jobs for local people. That’s what regeneration and the Olympics is supposed to be about. However the Council has denied them that opportunity. If I was a local food business I’d be very, very annoyed with the Council.
Re. the zip wire – that’s very interesting! I read somewhere or other that the reason Mayor Boris got stuck was because one of the brakes had been left on. It makes you wonder whether they left it on deliberately. It certainly looks like they weren’t taking any chances with one of their sponsors – even if Live Nation weren’t competent to know how to build a safe zip wire tower – or to assess the competence of those they engaged to build it for them!
Presumably it’s the Council’s Health and Safety people who are checking everything. When was the last time they checked out a zip wire?
Ted – you might also want to check out what’s the Council’s liability for damages in the event of a serious accident at the event and whether the Council’s insurers have an opinion on how this event is being run. I’m sure they’d love to hear the zip wire story! 🙂
Next time you’re in there maybe you could also try asking the security people how much training they’ve had and did that include dealing with people with disabilities. Given the coverage of the G4S debacle one wonders just how competent and well trained these people are. http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jul/26/secret-security-guard-g4s-olympics The comment Carole made about the search of the person in the wheelchair really shocked me. I’m not surprised if people were to contemplate legal action as a result of actions by the security people if this is the way they’re behaving.
It’s very clear that this event raises lots and lots of questions. I do hope Councillors will make sure they get answered and they learn from this.
Let’s not forget – the Council have paid over our money for content at this event so we’re all entitled to ask questions – and to expect answers.
Perhaps it is a re-enactment of the 1948 Austerity Olympics: rationing, queuing…actually, wasn’t there an internment camp at Viccy Park in WW2? Perhaps that is more like it. Having been to the Olympic Park can testify (as Ted has) that there is absolutely no problem with bringing food in. We even asked that they make sure that our kids’ Olympic cupcakes (from Percy Ingle – corner of the Roman and Parnell Rd – take note Mary Portas/Idea Store) were kept upright as the bags were searched and scanned. Very, very friendly though and everyone really welcoming. The police with guns on the Greenway is a bit intimidating but they too are smiley. The catering inside the Olympic Park is expensive: a pasty costs £6 and that was about the cheapest price. All the food (except McDonalds) comes from a French company called Sodexo – we asked someone on one of the food stands. Googling them now:
‘Sodexo expects to generate about 100 million euros (79 million pounds) of revenue from providing catering for the Olympics’*
Yes, wouldn’t be surprised if they did make that. They also had hog roasts and a commenter mentioned there was one at Live Nation. Maybe Sodexo landed the contract for these Live sites as well? If so, the staff protecting Sodexo’s interests differ hugely from the Olympic Park to Viccy Park.
What is going on with Tower Hamlets’ parks? We went to Lovebox the year before this (free tickets) and saw food vendors chucking expired but still hot bbq coals around the base of a tree and another pouring used cooking oil down a gutter drain. These problems will have long-term and not immediately noticeable effects. All of the problems though should have made Stephen Halsey and Heather Bonfield – they addressed the Vic Park Friends Group on Live Nation and events for 2012 (but we couldn’t go, so perhaps Steve Murray turned up?) – negotiate a really good price – not a LOWER price for rental of our park, if they were going to rent it out at all. Especially after the Trinity Gardens debacle and Prayers in the Park etc.
‘juliancheyne’ mentions Mile End Park/Wennington Green. Another threat of legal action; with ‘Carole’ here taking action over Live Nation and the Counter Olympics Network demonstrators (nearly) suing, it seems officers are exposing this council and the public purse to more costs and more losses: http://livesrunning.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/rotten-borough-tower-hamlets-how-unelected-consulant-heather-bonfield-trumps-mp-mayor-and-elected-councillors/
Agree with ‘Nigel’ – the officers obviously don’t live here and this must be why they don’t care?
Instead I think I’ll ask whether HM Revenue & Customs are aware of her “employment” by Tower Hamlets. Anybody employed more or less full time by an organisation is unable to claim consultancy status via their company and hence must pay tax and NI in the same way as everybody else. Moreover the Council must also pay Employers NI and is liable for a penalty and interest due ion unpaid tax if it fails to pay it when it is liable.
Those employed as consultants to cover posts have to be very careful what they say and do and how long their contracts last if they are to not jeopardise their tax status as independent contractors. For example, they cannot act in the same way as employees. Any reputable ‘consultant’ would know this.
The BBC Local News have just reminded me of another point relevant to this event.
Every single film item on the local news covering this event – from Boris adventures on the Zip Line onwards – has referred to it being in HACKNEY! I guess the gag on the Council’s PR Department means they aren’t allowed to correct this! 😉
This is of course is the same BBC whose Sports reporters have also been referring to the Canary Wharf towers visible from the Olympic Venue at Greenwich park as being the CITY OF LONDON.
Maybe Tower Hamlets Council has done something to annoy the BBC?
Latest insult. Geoffrey Thorrington-Hassle from Victoria Park Baptist Church took a group of Sunday school children to the event, and needed to take a First Aid kit, as there were sufficient numbers to make this compulsory by law. Security searched his first aid kit and confiscated the scissors that exist for cutting bandages to size, before handing back the first aid kit.
He’s writing a letter of complaint to the organisation.
Evening Standard are now reporting the same Sandwich-Nazis at Live Nation Hyde Park (to paraphrase Seinfeld.)
A spokesman for BT London Live said: “When you go into Hyde Park or Victoria Park you can bring crisps, packets of sweets and chocolate bars. You can bring baby food of any description. But you can’t bring in a cool box or lots of sandwiches.” He said organisers were following Locog rules.
On the first aid scissors incident, can’t see scissors are on the ‘Prohibited List’ – although we all know they are confiscated at airport security. Did see vuvuzelas are on the List – and we took one into the Olympic Park along with 2 cupcakes, a pastry and drinks. Excessive? food, drinks and a vuvuzela into the Olympic Park but not even a bottle of water into Live Nation? Stock up now though on Farley’s rusks and Heinz Cheesy Vegetables…can’t be that bad.
Have you checked out the live site just over the borough boundary at Haggerston Park? Local traders, friendly security, you can take your picnic in and there are games for kids. Sounds like Hackney may have got it right…
Fact: Live Nation are not making one single penny profit from the events in Victoria Park, never have been and never will do.
Fact: The events in Victoria Park have cost in the region of £4m, ALL funded through sponsorship & food and beverage and were intended to give the community somewhere to go and enjoy the olympics if they were not lucky enough to get tickets.
Fact: Live Nation did not set the level of security or the prohibited items, we followed direct instructions from many parties involved in security at Olympic events.
I can not believe some of the statements made in this thread that are based on nothing more than idols gossip and so called experts that claim to have knowledge about something they clearly know nothing about.
Call yourselves concerned residents, every one of you should be ashamed of yourselves and in future I would suggest that you make sure you have your facts right before pointing the finger.
Fact: Live Nation are not making one single penny profit from the events in Victoria Park, never have been and never will do.
Interesting. Is that what you told Tower Hamlets during the negotiations?
Here’s an extract from the background papers attached to the Mayor’s decision document that I referenced above:
3.13 The negotiations for this contract have been protracted as several commercial issues have emerged to cause concern. Live Nation are effectively funding a £50million project for the Live Sites with no guarantee of payment. Their costs and profits will be met from the success of the sites [NOT THE PLURAL – TJ]. They are understandably cautious about the financial viability of the project and have sought to reduce their risk as much as possible.
– The policing costs are to be met by the GLA
– The original inclusion of Potters Fields as a Live Site has now been dropped
-The Council is indemnifying Live Nation against a breach of the contract if we issue unauthorised press statements or breach their commercial confidentiality.
-Our liability under the contract is limited to £20million but this includes up to £250,000 in respect of loss of profits.
3.14 However, the Council has been able to negotiate some additional benefits for residents
– The ticket strategy allows priority booking for Tower Hamlets residents for each Free to Access day for a small booking fee of £3.50 for up to 4 tickets.
– Live Nation will donate a sum between 5 to 10 per cent of any profit in excess of £2m to a charitable cause to be selected in consultation with this Council, the GLA and the Royal Parks.
This is becoming interesting. Firstly, the front page of East End Life gave a typically Pravda report of the Victoria Park events saying it was “bursting” with entertainment. There was not one mention of the sparse crowds. I suspect Live Nation/the GLA has been leaning on the council to jazz the event up because the numbers have been so bad. Is there a possibility that Live Nation, possibly cheesed off with the council’s apparent lack of publicity, might try to claw back any of its losses via its indemnity clauses?
And secondly, if Live Nation were so concerned about the viability of these events, that explains why the ones in Victoria Park have been so rubbish. The facilities and entertainment there are minimal. Was Live Nation simply minimising its costs and risks to the point of disaster mitigation? Did the council negotiate any minimum quality standards to mitigate those loss clauses above?
Are you sure you’ve understood what’s meant by indemnity. Normally it would mean that public liability insurance is on the council rather than the event provider.
@Its Free.
Fact: You’re nasty. We never want your organisation back in Tower Hamlets again.
Fact: You chose to hire bullies and have a ridiculous level of security. No one forced this on you.
Fact: You are only a none-profit because you failed to attract sufficient numbers.
I like a bit of analysis so if we’re getting into fact-finding, let’s see if I can sum a few more facts starting with the evidence presented above and including what I’ve read elsewhere
FACT: Judging by the comments of the people who have had food taken off them (which can be read here and elsewhere – the Evening Standard comments in particular are vitriolic!) none of the Live Nation security people or site managers have ever read the rules on prohibited/restricted items. Rather a lot of people have also drawn this same conclusion. It’s hardly surprising given the fact it’s quite difficult to misinterpret the statement about food. Food is not prohibited it’s restricted!!! Restricting EXCESSIVE amounts of food does not mean eliminating all food.
@It’s Free – Have you ever read the rules? If not you should try reading them like I did and and see why so many people are so very annoyed.
FACT: Live Nation can’t blame LOCOG! There is a direct comparison just across the River Lee in the Olympic Park where they operate using the same official rules. There are very few complaints by people inside the Olympic Park – and that’s because they have have been allowed to take food in – because that’s what the rules allow. Their security people are also friendly and helpful – and that makes a big difference! So if the rules work fine and don’t cause complaints on non-Live Nation sites, the problem at Victoria Park must be the responsibility of Live Nation!
FACT: Live Nation has had plenty of feedback and time to change it’s own unique interpretation of the rules and the way it was operating – but it didn’t.
FACT: Continued complaints about the attitude and behaviour of your security people – which Live Nation did nothing about – will have had an impact on people attending. Word of mouth is very influential. People don’t need to read this blog or the Evening Standard – they just need to listen to their friends and neighbours. By way of contrast the FREE Big Screen sites where people take their children with a picnic don’t seem to be having anything like the same sort of problems. Could that be because they really are free and friendly?
FACT: The ticketing system led people to believe they needed tickets when they didn’t – so they stayed away.
Some further comments from me:
* If the events and facilities in Victoria Park have really cost £4 million then Live Nation have either been ripped off and/or haven’t got a clue. I suspect it’s probably both!
* If Live Nation wants to enter into a legal dispute about losses then it will have to open up its books for audit – which should prove very interesting indeed.
* If Live Nation try going to Court on this one I suspect there will be a long queue of people lined up wanting to give statements as evidence about their experience of Live Nation Security and why they told their friends to stay away!
Contrary to “Nigel’s” claims, Bow’s Labour councillors have consistently tried to reduce the number of commercial events in Victoria Park and mitigate their impact on local residents. For example, we “called-in” the Mayor’s decision to hire out the park for ten events last year to the council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee, which secured some concessions. We also collected a 400-strong petition to reduce the finishing times of live music, which was agreed in part by the Licensing Committee, but overturned by the Magistrates Court.
Earlier this year, I again worked with local residents collecting a petition to try to reduce the operating hours of Live Nation in Victoria Park. Along with my colleague, Josh Peck, and the Mile End Residents Association, we were able to persuade the Licensing Committee to end live music and the sale of alcohol earlier than Live Nation had requested on Sundays to Thursdays. Frustratingly though, the committee decided to give Live Nation the half past midnight finishing time it requested.
We don’t give up that easily, however, and with the help of longstanding community activist, Pat Hennigan, I made representations to the Development Committee in June to try to secure some guarantees on public access through the park and an 11.30pm terminal hour on weeknights. Disappointingly, despite the clear evidence of the mess created in Victoria Park by Lovebox and Field Day, the committee refused our requests for further conditions.
I wouldn’t know how to “tweet” if I wanted to, but I did personally write back to all those constituents in Bow East ward who supported the petition to update them on the outcome. Evidently, Nigel was not among them. Only he himself knows whether he made representations of his own against the licensing and planning applications for Live Nation, but I’m sure Nigel’s neighbours would welcome his support if we have to petition against next summer’s events.
Well after spending last week and the weekend trying to tie people down who can make any decisions connected to this shambolic event.
This event Should have been the Crown Jewels of Vicki Park, But with the underhand manner the Olympic committee has rode rough shot over us since the offset we should have realised this is what was expected, by not letting us become an embarrassment to the world I MEAN how could they promote the East End as a city of culture when we did not even get City status! but enough of that that is a whole other story all I can say the airbrushing of us residents the whole thing has become a white elephant and it’s a shame because we really are a great bunch.
Well back to Botch up eventually after a lot of emails calls and sharp words it was agreed that the event should be promoted as a free event (something they lacked to tell us residents prior to the shambles of having to register pay a registration fee of £3.50 and take the chance of actually getting tickets on the requested days
(Yes I registered three times in total and each stage there was no tickets for those days)
Talking of registering does anyone know how many people in the East End have a computer? Yes I know that we have access in the Idea stores.
(I was informed this from some little upstart in city hall)
Also how many people really trust giving there bank details over to a webpage that promotes itself as FREE>>>> mummmmm not very many as it now unfolds.
Now back to the Elephant in the Park I did eventually manage to stress the importance that this should be promoted as a ‘FREE event’ and people should just attend
(Something they were petrified of just in case the place filled with us East Enders and they really did not want this to happen.)
Well the posters are now up in areas and it promotes a Free event, so a little too late but better than that what went before,
So I took the opportunity to once again pop over with the Grandchildren, made sure they ate they had Pie and Mash myself bagel shop I would not have liked to been arrested for retrieving my salt beef Beigle if they attempted to remove it from my clutches .
Talking of Pie and Mash’ salt beef Bagels’ Savs Pees pud’ roast beef’ fish N Chips’ curries and rice’ jerk chicken’ kebabs’ Chinese’ toffee apples’ strawberries’ what on earth has gone on why were we not tempted to have food we eat and promote as East End in these venues we would be happy to purchase what we know to be locals supplying the food then the food situation would not have been so hard to endure.
Well got harassed before even getting need the entrance, some spotty cocky upstart telling me “Lady if you have any food or drink you need to dump it” or in his pathetic words “or you’re not getting in.” Wanting to confront him that he is out of order and if I wanted to take food in I would but had the kids so they were excited and ran to the entrance we got duly counted by some officious little teenager looking at how many of us head counting us like we was on a school excursion
“There were only four of us by the way” then asking how many we were very amusing give someone a tee shirt and a counter they suddenly feel untouchable.
Told to go to a searching station once again we were counted in by some other person I informed him that we were already counted he told me yes his counter was a doubly checker just in case the other one did not record the findings properly? Take from that what you like but to me they were counting the same people twice but I suppose they have to big up themselves.
Now again to the Hoe down Once again over zealous searching of bags pat downs but whilst the intimidating way or being searched standing with my arms outstretches legs adrift I duly asked what they were looking for? and you will not believe the response a rather immature boy told me that “they are on Red alert and a terrorist attack is imminent at any time” OMG and then he informed me “Madam we are in the heart of the East End and you know what these lot are like “ confused I asked what lot my dear ha said “you know the terrorist” I just did not know how to respond in fact I nearly booted him on top of Claire house with the missile launcher unbelievable
after the confrontation I pointed out that I found his comments to be distasteful and unwarranted he backtracked and said “you know what I mean luv the east end and all the Krays” again asked him what he was insinuating he said “do you want to get in here because you can just leave and I have the sky”
. I walks on in disgust and found a police officer and told him of his comment the nice officer said that they really do not have jurisdiction and I should take it further, the officer also informed me that they had been instructed that they can only police the event in shirts and there vest and hi viz jackets are banned being shocked as I know it is a requirement for the met to wear their vest because health and safety and seeing we was on RED alert ( by the way the officer informed me we was not) he told me the instruction was from city hall that all events the police must smile and stand back and let security take precedent over them.
Oh dear this I feel is an experiment for Cameron and the Tories to replace the police with private security companies. GOD FORBID
Well we got into the event around 1,500 2,000 people but all the searching and security my 5 year old granddaughter had her backpack on with the barbies bubble gun drinks crisp and anything a little 5 year old can pack into her backpack.
But it could have easily fitted a sawn off shotgun which all us EASTENDERS ARE SUPPOSE TO HAVE IN THE BREADBINS>
Well enough said ////////// but Ted I feel that You you should consider the little innuendos and stories you run in your job and page insinuating that the East end is home to terrorist and all kinds because these people from outside the M 25 really think we are something to be feared so the next time you cast aspersions rember who is listening.
And as for the clean up all emphasis should go back to the OLYMPIC COMITTEE Boris and Coe because it’s there Olympics and they should be the ones responsible
I think the more people document their experiences as Carole has done, the more evidence will be available when it comes to a review of this event and how it was processed by the Council and managed on the ground.
Records of verbatim comments by security people are wonderful! Carol was quite right to be outraged with the comments made to her.
I’m still waiting for the first person to post a live recorded video of their experience of the lamentable security people on YouTube!
I never knew it was OK to be abusive to the people if the event is free, while if they pay it’s not OK to be abusive.
Strange view.
I’d have thought being abusive to people is not acceptable at any time, whether they pay or not.
I’m not sure, but IIRC cameras and videos were on the banned list, along with food and underarm deodorant. But thanks for reminding me, the next time I go to one of these events I will take one with me!
My experience was similar to those above.
Crowd Control: went on the first day, without any tickets. We sat on the ground in the queue not far from the entrance for an hour or so, that was fine, then when it was time to stand up and start through security, a woman with a megaphone made an announcement that all those without tickets should move out of the main queue to where barriers were set up to create another entrance. About 90% of people rushed over there, but then she told us that this was a mistake and the new queue was for people WITH tickets. So everyone rushed back to where they had been with a curtain amount of jostling for position because hundreds of people were anxious not to lose their place. No harm done, but such shambolic crowd control could endanger people.
Security: Searching and wanding and removal of food and drink as others have said above – not endured later in the week at Excel, Wembley or North Greenwich Arena.
One of the many prohibited items was sports equipment. We were in the park earlier so had a football and badminton rackets. Luckily it was easy enough for one of us to run to a friend’s house near the park and dump these, but I would have been annoyed if we hadn’t had that option because I’m sure they would have insisted on enforcing this silly rule.
Activities – a bit of a misery because most things were so expensive so we spent the time arguing with our kids before caving in and agreeing to them going on the zorb balls – £25 for 5 kids to have 4 minutes rolling in the big plastic balls. The badminton was free but I think you had to give your details to a person with a clipboard before playing. When I think of the treasures of Paradise Gardens and all the other lovely things we’ve been to in Vicky park over the years (most of them free) its ridiculous.
We left to go watch the ceremony at home. I think it would have been fun to watch the big screens with the crowds, but apparently you can do this at Haggerston and other parks without all the hassle.
What we liked was the photos of Londoners from countries of the world on the wall on the north side of the site but I don’t know if this is anything to do with the Live people.
Victoria Park itself is brilliant these days. I’ve seen people here complaining about the new developments but I think the playgrounds are awesome. We used to take out of town visitors to the Kensington Gardens to the Princess Diana playground, now we have something equally wondrous here. And all free.
Well I feel I really should eat my words after making Live Nation my topic with which to bore residents with when I see them out and about! An overwhelming 100% of people of all ages (from teenagers right through to pensioners on those battery powered mobility buggies),said they had been, everyone said it was great and were urging me to go again. Many praised the food, although some did say “a bit pricey”. I think we would all do well to remember that local born and bred east enders don’t necessarily want healthy olive oil drizzled Jamie Oliver-style food – chicken and chips, burgers, noodles etc is what they crave and are happy with. They certainly never care what part of London the vendor came from . All loved the atmosphere and buzz and loved watching Team GB win medals on the big screens. (I do hope they gave Katie Taylor of beautiful County Wicklow a big cheer too yesterday when she won Ireland’s first Gold!!)
So, Live Nation from the perspective of ordinary decent working class residents of Bow (who do still make up a majority), has been a big hit. It has brought all ages together, something difficult to do with the usual festivals in Victoria Park. It has allowed people on very low incomes to actually have a bit of fun and a nice day/night out which they rarely can afford to do – that aspect definitely has to be applauded.
The security is not an issue – when probed, a few people actually simply felt the “bouncers” had their job to do and everyone should be grateful that the festivities have passed with no stabbings or even worse horrors taking place. For them the security was something that reassured them about going back. Heavy handed many may have found it, but effective in securing the site it has been. God forbid, but had there been some ghastly terror attack everyone would be asking for a Public Inquiry into lax security.
The taste of warm summer days and balmy evenings has definitely helped things, and I am sure the phenomenal success of Team GB and athletes from the Commonwealth Caribbean has really added a lot of momentum to Live Nation.
So, I hold my hands up and say I was wholly wrong at the start – local people are very happy that it is here, fun days and evenings for free in their own “back yard” as it were, and it is true, walk around the estates of Bow in the evening and you will be hard pushed to find bored youths congregating with nothing to do – my guess is they are over in the park, enjoying the Olympic spirit. And why not – they certainly could not afford real Olympic tickets (shame on LOCOG for this fact), and this is the next best thing.
Conclusion: I do have to say well done Live Nation – you really have brought some fun and enjoyment to the ordinary people in Bow.
You are not for real. Everyone reading this and experienced the parks know you would be a false blogger trying to improve the chatter shame on you I fear the truth will never come to light
These parks in the end (I went to Victoria and Hyde park) were set up for livenation to make money and from what I seen they creamed the British public and visitors it is a disgrace the mayor allowed these people to rape the public like they did. The no food was not a locog policy we spent two days in the Olympic park where we had full picnics in the incredible BA live parks which were truly inclusive unlike the livenation parks. BT must have done damage to them selves damage for any family visiting a park expecting an inclusive experience any one on an even reasonable wage could not afford a day in one of these parks water 2.50 a bottle really ???
VIP guests to the closing ceremony show seem to have faired much better then us common folk.
* Private entrance to concert site
* VIP grandstand seating (tiered and reserved)*
* Exclusive VIP chill-out area with undercover facilities and garden seating (Chill out area is located to the side of the stage; you are unable to view the acts performing from this area)
* Resident DJ
* BBQ with hot & cold food platters
* Complimentary bar (excludes champagne)
* Olympic and Main Stage Screenings within VIP area
* Commemorative laminate
* Event staff and hostesses in attendance throughout
[…] Live Nation in Victoria Park – an exercise in entrapment The commenter TheTruthHurts makes some remarks on this post here about the pretty dismal turnouts at the Live Nation BT Live events in Vi… […]
[…] Live Nation in Victoria Park – an exercise in entrapment The commenter TheTruthHurts makes some remarks on this post here about the pretty dismal turnouts at the Live Nation BT Live events in Vi… […]
Trial by Jeory 
My experience was being turned away on Friday for having a camera with a large lens. 6″ is the limit on lens size, but I can find that on the info they sent me. There are no Olympic events happening here, so I suppose they were frightened in case somebody took a photo of the TV screen.
The lad on the x-ray machine called his boss over, this is the fat bloke who has been trained to cause fury by insisting that the customer should be silent for at least 5 seconds before he will speak.. Yes, exactly the same as in primary school.
What an arsehole. You would have thought they wanted people in their event. I live next to the park and my family was in there, but I didn’t put my camera at home and come back because I’d been so antagonised by the idiot on security.
Why, why, why airport security? And even if it is airport security, why then add more conditions on top of that? What an incompetent organisation they are. I hope LBTH never have anything to do with them again.
I want my £3.50 booking fee back.
Correction: I “can’t” find that on the info
Well Ted you know me and how I hate any kind of injustice and skulduggery but the experience of attending this even left a very sour taste
I have so much to say but unfortunately I am not posting my experience at this time as my situation is now with a solicitor
.
I really hope others who have had the experience of the Hoe down and over Zealous security bouncers will do as me and many people who I have spoken to take legal action against this company
I was also witness to two over active Bouncers I would call them pull a lady forward on her wheelchair and search on her chair she was very distressed but more upset when they poured her container of juice which was in her flask which she needed because of her diabetes.
She did not stay with her two young daughters as she could not risk not having her flask but I really hope she reads this and takes this further and I will be her witness
And as for the figures from July 31st all I can say they must have had a revolving door and let the few hundred people who were in there that day in and out to boost the numbers
I ventured to The Live Site two days before Boris got stuck on the zip wire. I went with my wife after work; we were both fasting so we took a few dates, some fruit and a bottle of water.
Security refused to allow us in with our food. I got into an argument with him and then another, more reasonable security guard said we could take the food in.
When we got in, (the site was pretty empty) we didn’t stay for long. In terms of numbers, I would say less than 100 people were there. No atmosphere, shitty food and the zip wire wasn’t working. And it still wasn’t working two days later, isn’t that right Boris?
Last weekend, Mile End Residents Association (MERA) published a blog post about Live Nation’s incompetent crowd management by its security team at Mile End between 1am and 2am following the Opening Ceremony
MERA always documents problems in the Mile End area – using photos and video – and then publish these alongside the names of those involved and our comments on our website and blog.
This is our blog post about the crowd management BT London Live @Victoria Park – Crowd Management at Mile End. in which we documented the lack of crowd barriers and ways in which the crowd management plan broke down.
MERA objected to the licence for this event and attended the Council’s Licensing Sub-Commitee Meeting to give evidence as to our objections (which related to crowd management at Mile End) and the nature of the licence which Live Nation applied for.
At the Committee meeting, they stated words to the effect of “we’re very experienced in running these sorts of events and you can trust us – we know what we’re doing when it comes to crowd management”. Clearly this sort of statement should not be taken at face value as it was UNTRUE. The precise concerns which we highlighted in our evidence to the Committee all happened on the night and are documented in our blog post.
As a result we met with the Council’s Head of Arts and Events to review the arrangements late on Sunday evening. He told us that there had only been 15,000 people there on the Friday night. Live Nation also offered to meet with us.
In the end we didn’t pursue the issue of crowd management any further last week as it became very evident very quickly that there were no crowds to worry about in the evening. An event which was originally supposed to need a licence for 30,000 maximum capacity had managed to attract no more than approx 3,000 last Sunday evening.
MERA asked for a copy of the Crowd Management Plan over a week ago. Neither the Council nor Live Nation have yet provided us with a copy. This is a plan which normally should have been submitted with the licence application and it should be a public document. We now wonder whether it in fact exists.
Today, after a week of complaints, we followed up with another post on the blog – The war on terror and sandwiches in Victoria Park .
The exclusion of all food and drink is quite farcical and wrong in more ways than one.
It is quite clear to us that the regulations being quoted by Live Nation are NOT being observed by Live Nation. Take a look at the OFFICIAL list of the prohibited and restricted items re Olympic sites (pdf file) downloaded from the London 2012 site.
Nowhere does it say ALL food and drink must be prevented from entering the site. Either Live Nation managers and staff haven’t yet learned how to read regulations or what they’ve been saying about “no food past security” is all about trying to extract as much cash as possible from those attending.
Does the Council really think that this is an appropriate approach for a family oriented event in a borough where many families live in poverty?
It looks to us like there ought to be a comprehensive review of what went wrong with this event and this contract.
Maybe if the Council declines to do a review then the local communities affected by events in Victoria Park should do it instead – and possibly publicise the results as a warning to any other Council contemplating a contract with these people?
After all, it’s entirely possible that the gag on the Council saying anything about the event exists because of their track record in running events. Might it be possible that Live Nation don’t want future clients to hear about what it’s really like at their events?
It’s a good thing we have free speech and that they cannot also gag the blogs of those with whom they have no contract when it comes to evidence about what it’s really like at a Live Nation event!
The majority of the Bow East side of the park fenced off with a “Berlin Wall” painted in dark forboding colours, intimidating sloth-style “security”, instead of “welcome to LBTH/London 2012”, there is a never-ending list of forbidden items from food through to cameras to poodles.
Yet 2 minutes away in the estates of Bow we have groups of young people doing what they always do on a summer evening – sitting around in groups with not much else to do. The elderly who used to be able to enjoy walks through the park somehow never seem to enjoy their park now. I wonder why?
The fact has always been, the council officers who “negotiate” these ridiculous contracts more often than not do not live anywhere near Bow or even within the borough. The Mayor and his Cabinet have sadly proved yet again that they are probably out of their depth when it comes to executive leadership. Tower Hamlets is the only ‘front bench’ these guys and gals will sit on. Although there are some nice cheap front benches that have been bought for Victoria Park they could try for size.
Equally, the SIX ward councillors in Bow have been too busy tweeting over the heads of the ordinary person to bother with proper scrutiny over something which has removed the one green local amenity from the local population for the entire summer months. So, what happens is the park is used as a cash cow yet again, and no one in elected office has the good grace to say “sorry we really did screw up this time”.
They anticipated 19,999 people every day – they are nowhere near this figure – I know – I walk around the perimeter fence every day with our dogs. How come local people, Bow and Tower Hamlets residents, were never once encouraged to make it THEIR Olympic festival. The opportunity for some lateral thinking and vision was phenomenal – working with youth groups etc.
The Council secured a miserly £80,000 to put the park back to its usual condition afterwards. Forgive me if one has to LOL – after LoveBox which lasted a few days it ought to have cost a lot more than £80K to fix the park.
They had £12 million recently for the Park, and it beggars belief where that went to. Oh whoops, I forgot a vast wildflower (sic) meadow. But we don’t get colourful English wildflowers like the local housing association (Old Ford) has managed to recreate on some of our estates. Oh no, Tower Hamlets Council and their well paid consultants, always trend-setting in their approach, have given us the very postmodern concept of a Wildweed meadow. I jest not. And, in case we silly local residents wondered why weeds cost so much these days, the Council has already started spending the Live Nation income erecting signs all across this “meadow” (ROFL), explaining that although it may not look like a widlflower meadow, and in fact there are no flowers what we are seeing before us “REALLY IS A WILDFLOWER MEADOW”. Of course it is Mr Mayor and Mr Head of Parks. ……………………….by the way, as a local resident one question – do they no longer offer horticultural classes in Tower Hamlets?
Oh I was also going to mention the massive economic boost Live Nation has given local businesses, but alas many of those are in crisis talks with their accountants to guarantee survival come the autumn, so I am unable to ascertain the exact bounce in profit margins.
Let’s face it Bow and Victoria Park is so far removed from the ruling Bangladeshi elite (this is not racist – it is a fact – 30% of our population control 100% of the Cabinet – how very representative), they couldn’t give a damn as long as they saw the grand total of £442,285 in the income column. In pounds sterling this is actually a miserly sum – perhaps in another currency it appears different. Je ne sais pas.
Ted, you’ve repeated the faux pas that Ed Miliband got so much stick over on Twitter last week. It’s *Armitstead* !
Thanks
I still don’t get why they want the airport like security. If I had a Clueseau-type bomb, black and round with a burning fuse coming out of the top, and walked up tot heat perimeter fence, I could just chuck it over.
Why would I render a deodorant ot perfume bottle into a bomb if it is as easy as that?
Pure incompetence.
Technically it is possible to turn a cigarette packet into a decent inflammatory device – in the days when all we had to fear were the good auld IRA it was one of the tricks to look out for. I suppose it’s just as well people don’t smoke so much – or else I look forward to the punchups when some high-minded security guy tries to separate a smoker from his/her fags 😉
Dan – you nailed it! Yet again “you could not make it up!” Only in Tower Hamlets – the home of missiles on top of people’s homes to guard against the terrorists!
I’ve got an idea. How about a new Olympic competition for chucking sandwiches over the fence? 😉
Joking aside – I’ve got a question for Ted. Do we know how many of the food vendors inside the “Berlin Wall” are local companies? Wasn’t this Olympics supposed to be benefiting the local economy?
Why on earth does this Council develop Council Policies on improving the health of local people through the promotion of healthy eating and then behave as if they’ve never ever heard of these policies when awarding contracts and granting permissions? Actions speak louder than words – which means this Council’s commitment to healthy eating is a complete joke.
It’s very, very simple to make it an absolute condition of all park hire in Tower Hamlets by any and all event organisers that:
1) all food and drink vendors for events must be regulated businesses based in the borough. That would mean that all money spent on food and drink at events in Tower Hamlets would benefit the local economy. (The Council could run an annual competition to create a list of vetted and approved food/drink vendors for events which can then be made available to event organisers)
2) a percentage of all food stalls within the park MUST be devoted to healthy eating options. I’d say this ought to be at least 50-60%.
3) all events targeting children and selling food MUST have options which include family friendly prices for children’s food for those on a limited budget
The fact that the Council already has a policy about promoting healthy eating is a good reason for making sure actions speak louder than words when it comes to delivery!
The fact that event organisers won’t like it is not an excuse for not doing it. They don’t like a lot of regulations but they have to live with them – witness the fact that they pulled the plug on Bruce Springsteen in Hyde Park! They know they have to live within the rules on a range of matters if they want to get access to a park as an event site again.
Who makes policy on using parks in Tower Hamlets. Counter Olympics wanted to use Victoria Park on 28th July to finish its demonstration. Heather Bonfield wrote and said no way could we use any parks and there would be no appeal. I gather Ms Bonfield is a consultant and not permanent staff. After some lobbying by politicians we were then given permission by Michael Rowan to use Wennington Green without any major restrictions, just not to drive vehicles into it. This was then overturned by Ms Bonfield who insisted we were not allowed to hold any speeches but just disperse from the Green. After further lobbying this was modified to a 3.30pm finish!
Re the UPDATE
Many thanks for finding out the information about the vendors. I’m not in the least bit surprised at the answers.
Just think – if it had been local vendors providing decent food they could have generated enduring customers in the long run for their local restaurants and cafes. That could make a real difference to the local economy and jobs for local people. That’s what regeneration and the Olympics is supposed to be about. However the Council has denied them that opportunity. If I was a local food business I’d be very, very annoyed with the Council.
Re. the zip wire – that’s very interesting! I read somewhere or other that the reason Mayor Boris got stuck was because one of the brakes had been left on. It makes you wonder whether they left it on deliberately. It certainly looks like they weren’t taking any chances with one of their sponsors – even if Live Nation weren’t competent to know how to build a safe zip wire tower – or to assess the competence of those they engaged to build it for them!
Presumably it’s the Council’s Health and Safety people who are checking everything. When was the last time they checked out a zip wire?
Ted – you might also want to check out what’s the Council’s liability for damages in the event of a serious accident at the event and whether the Council’s insurers have an opinion on how this event is being run. I’m sure they’d love to hear the zip wire story! 🙂
Next time you’re in there maybe you could also try asking the security people how much training they’ve had and did that include dealing with people with disabilities. Given the coverage of the G4S debacle one wonders just how competent and well trained these people are. http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jul/26/secret-security-guard-g4s-olympics The comment Carole made about the search of the person in the wheelchair really shocked me. I’m not surprised if people were to contemplate legal action as a result of actions by the security people if this is the way they’re behaving.
It’s very clear that this event raises lots and lots of questions. I do hope Councillors will make sure they get answered and they learn from this.
Let’s not forget – the Council have paid over our money for content at this event so we’re all entitled to ask questions – and to expect answers.
Perhaps it is a re-enactment of the 1948 Austerity Olympics: rationing, queuing…actually, wasn’t there an internment camp at Viccy Park in WW2? Perhaps that is more like it. Having been to the Olympic Park can testify (as Ted has) that there is absolutely no problem with bringing food in. We even asked that they make sure that our kids’ Olympic cupcakes (from Percy Ingle – corner of the Roman and Parnell Rd – take note Mary Portas/Idea Store) were kept upright as the bags were searched and scanned. Very, very friendly though and everyone really welcoming. The police with guns on the Greenway is a bit intimidating but they too are smiley. The catering inside the Olympic Park is expensive: a pasty costs £6 and that was about the cheapest price. All the food (except McDonalds) comes from a French company called Sodexo – we asked someone on one of the food stands. Googling them now:
‘Sodexo expects to generate about 100 million euros (79 million pounds) of revenue from providing catering for the Olympics’*
Yes, wouldn’t be surprised if they did make that. They also had hog roasts and a commenter mentioned there was one at Live Nation. Maybe Sodexo landed the contract for these Live sites as well? If so, the staff protecting Sodexo’s interests differ hugely from the Olympic Park to Viccy Park.
What is going on with Tower Hamlets’ parks? We went to Lovebox the year before this (free tickets) and saw food vendors chucking expired but still hot bbq coals around the base of a tree and another pouring used cooking oil down a gutter drain. These problems will have long-term and not immediately noticeable effects. All of the problems though should have made Stephen Halsey and Heather Bonfield – they addressed the Vic Park Friends Group on Live Nation and events for 2012 (but we couldn’t go, so perhaps Steve Murray turned up?) – negotiate a really good price – not a LOWER price for rental of our park, if they were going to rent it out at all. Especially after the Trinity Gardens debacle and Prayers in the Park etc.
‘juliancheyne’ mentions Mile End Park/Wennington Green. Another threat of legal action; with ‘Carole’ here taking action over Live Nation and the Counter Olympics Network demonstrators (nearly) suing, it seems officers are exposing this council and the public purse to more costs and more losses:
http://livesrunning.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/rotten-borough-tower-hamlets-how-unelected-consulant-heather-bonfield-trumps-mp-mayor-and-elected-councillors/
Agree with ‘Nigel’ – the officers obviously don’t live here and this must be why they don’t care?
* http://uk.news.yahoo.com/sodexo-banks-olympics-amid-euro-gloom-095657425–sector.html
Sorry Ted, now see you updated on the food stalls at Live Nation. Maybe not Sodexo then?
I was going to ask just who this Heather Bonfield thinks she is! But http://livesrunning.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/rotten-borough-tower-hamlets-how-unelected-consulant-heather-bonfield-trumps-mp-mayor-and-elected-councillors/ answered that question
Instead I think I’ll ask whether HM Revenue & Customs are aware of her “employment” by Tower Hamlets. Anybody employed more or less full time by an organisation is unable to claim consultancy status via their company and hence must pay tax and NI in the same way as everybody else. Moreover the Council must also pay Employers NI and is liable for a penalty and interest due ion unpaid tax if it fails to pay it when it is liable.
This is the relevant HMRC Tax Guide http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/leaflets/guide_limitcomp.htm
Those employed as consultants to cover posts have to be very careful what they say and do and how long their contracts last if they are to not jeopardise their tax status as independent contractors. For example, they cannot act in the same way as employees. Any reputable ‘consultant’ would know this.
It’s not unknown for those organisations trying to save money to come a cropper on this matter. The BBC have recently been under fire for their treatment of staff with respect to a BBC scheme to avoid tax http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2178477/BBC-stars-revolt-row-tax-avoidance-grows-Paxman-admits-bosses-told-join-scheme-lose-Newsnight-role.html Maybe Tower Hamlets is trying the same approach?
So how long has this Heather Bonfield been “covering” the Head of Culture role?
Over to you Ted…….
Meanwhile, next door in Waltham Forest:
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/wfnews/9849599.LEYTON__Traders_suffer_as_Olympics_turns_area_into_a__ghost_town_/
The BBC Local News have just reminded me of another point relevant to this event.
Every single film item on the local news covering this event – from Boris adventures on the Zip Line onwards – has referred to it being in HACKNEY! I guess the gag on the Council’s PR Department means they aren’t allowed to correct this! 😉
This is of course is the same BBC whose Sports reporters have also been referring to the Canary Wharf towers visible from the Olympic Venue at Greenwich park as being the CITY OF LONDON.
Maybe Tower Hamlets Council has done something to annoy the BBC?
Latest insult. Geoffrey Thorrington-Hassle from Victoria Park Baptist Church took a group of Sunday school children to the event, and needed to take a First Aid kit, as there were sufficient numbers to make this compulsory by law. Security searched his first aid kit and confiscated the scissors that exist for cutting bandages to size, before handing back the first aid kit.
He’s writing a letter of complaint to the organisation.
Evening Standard are now reporting the same Sandwich-Nazis at Live Nation Hyde Park (to paraphrase Seinfeld.)
http://www.standard.co.uk/olympics/olympic-news/london-2012-olympics-why-are-festival-organisers-banning-home-made-sandwiches-from-free-events-in-hyde-park-and-victoria-park-8015003.html
On the first aid scissors incident, can’t see scissors are on the ‘Prohibited List’ – although we all know they are confiscated at airport security. Did see vuvuzelas are on the List – and we took one into the Olympic Park along with 2 cupcakes, a pastry and drinks. Excessive? food, drinks and a vuvuzela into the Olympic Park but not even a bottle of water into Live Nation? Stock up now though on Farley’s rusks and Heinz Cheesy Vegetables…can’t be that bad.
Have you checked out the live site just over the borough boundary at Haggerston Park? Local traders, friendly security, you can take your picnic in and there are games for kids. Sounds like Hackney may have got it right…
Fact: Live Nation are not making one single penny profit from the events in Victoria Park, never have been and never will do.
Fact: The events in Victoria Park have cost in the region of £4m, ALL funded through sponsorship & food and beverage and were intended to give the community somewhere to go and enjoy the olympics if they were not lucky enough to get tickets.
Fact: Live Nation did not set the level of security or the prohibited items, we followed direct instructions from many parties involved in security at Olympic events.
I can not believe some of the statements made in this thread that are based on nothing more than idols gossip and so called experts that claim to have knowledge about something they clearly know nothing about.
Call yourselves concerned residents, every one of you should be ashamed of yourselves and in future I would suggest that you make sure you have your facts right before pointing the finger.
Interesting. Is that what you told Tower Hamlets during the negotiations?
Here’s an extract from the background papers attached to the Mayor’s decision document that I referenced above:
This is becoming interesting. Firstly, the front page of East End Life gave a typically Pravda report of the Victoria Park events saying it was “bursting” with entertainment. There was not one mention of the sparse crowds. I suspect Live Nation/the GLA has been leaning on the council to jazz the event up because the numbers have been so bad. Is there a possibility that Live Nation, possibly cheesed off with the council’s apparent lack of publicity, might try to claw back any of its losses via its indemnity clauses?
And secondly, if Live Nation were so concerned about the viability of these events, that explains why the ones in Victoria Park have been so rubbish. The facilities and entertainment there are minimal. Was Live Nation simply minimising its costs and risks to the point of disaster mitigation? Did the council negotiate any minimum quality standards to mitigate those loss clauses above?
Are you sure you’ve understood what’s meant by indemnity. Normally it would mean that public liability insurance is on the council rather than the event provider.
The council has agreed to indeminify LN for any losses it helps cause. It’s all there in the decision document. Give it a read.
@Its Free.
Fact: You’re nasty. We never want your organisation back in Tower Hamlets again.
Fact: You chose to hire bullies and have a ridiculous level of security. No one forced this on you.
Fact: You are only a none-profit because you failed to attract sufficient numbers.
I like a bit of analysis so if we’re getting into fact-finding, let’s see if I can sum a few more facts starting with the evidence presented above and including what I’ve read elsewhere
FACT: Judging by the comments of the people who have had food taken off them (which can be read here and elsewhere – the Evening Standard comments in particular are vitriolic!) none of the Live Nation security people or site managers have ever read the rules on prohibited/restricted items. Rather a lot of people have also drawn this same conclusion. It’s hardly surprising given the fact it’s quite difficult to misinterpret the statement about food. Food is not prohibited it’s restricted!!! Restricting EXCESSIVE amounts of food does not mean eliminating all food.
@It’s Free – Have you ever read the rules? If not you should try reading them like I did and and see why so many people are so very annoyed.
FACT: Live Nation can’t blame LOCOG! There is a direct comparison just across the River Lee in the Olympic Park where they operate using the same official rules. There are very few complaints by people inside the Olympic Park – and that’s because they have have been allowed to take food in – because that’s what the rules allow. Their security people are also friendly and helpful – and that makes a big difference! So if the rules work fine and don’t cause complaints on non-Live Nation sites, the problem at Victoria Park must be the responsibility of Live Nation!
FACT: Live Nation has had plenty of feedback and time to change it’s own unique interpretation of the rules and the way it was operating – but it didn’t.
FACT: Continued complaints about the attitude and behaviour of your security people – which Live Nation did nothing about – will have had an impact on people attending. Word of mouth is very influential. People don’t need to read this blog or the Evening Standard – they just need to listen to their friends and neighbours. By way of contrast the FREE Big Screen sites where people take their children with a picnic don’t seem to be having anything like the same sort of problems. Could that be because they really are free and friendly?
FACT: The ticketing system led people to believe they needed tickets when they didn’t – so they stayed away.
Some further comments from me:
* If the events and facilities in Victoria Park have really cost £4 million then Live Nation have either been ripped off and/or haven’t got a clue. I suspect it’s probably both!
* If Live Nation wants to enter into a legal dispute about losses then it will have to open up its books for audit – which should prove very interesting indeed.
* If Live Nation try going to Court on this one I suspect there will be a long queue of people lined up wanting to give statements as evidence about their experience of Live Nation Security and why they told their friends to stay away!
Contrary to “Nigel’s” claims, Bow’s Labour councillors have consistently tried to reduce the number of commercial events in Victoria Park and mitigate their impact on local residents. For example, we “called-in” the Mayor’s decision to hire out the park for ten events last year to the council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee, which secured some concessions. We also collected a 400-strong petition to reduce the finishing times of live music, which was agreed in part by the Licensing Committee, but overturned by the Magistrates Court.
Earlier this year, I again worked with local residents collecting a petition to try to reduce the operating hours of Live Nation in Victoria Park. Along with my colleague, Josh Peck, and the Mile End Residents Association, we were able to persuade the Licensing Committee to end live music and the sale of alcohol earlier than Live Nation had requested on Sundays to Thursdays. Frustratingly though, the committee decided to give Live Nation the half past midnight finishing time it requested.
We don’t give up that easily, however, and with the help of longstanding community activist, Pat Hennigan, I made representations to the Development Committee in June to try to secure some guarantees on public access through the park and an 11.30pm terminal hour on weeknights. Disappointingly, despite the clear evidence of the mess created in Victoria Park by Lovebox and Field Day, the committee refused our requests for further conditions.
I wouldn’t know how to “tweet” if I wanted to, but I did personally write back to all those constituents in Bow East ward who supported the petition to update them on the outcome. Evidently, Nigel was not among them. Only he himself knows whether he made representations of his own against the licensing and planning applications for Live Nation, but I’m sure Nigel’s neighbours would welcome his support if we have to petition against next summer’s events.
Well after spending last week and the weekend trying to tie people down who can make any decisions connected to this shambolic event.
This event Should have been the Crown Jewels of Vicki Park, But with the underhand manner the Olympic committee has rode rough shot over us since the offset we should have realised this is what was expected, by not letting us become an embarrassment to the world I MEAN how could they promote the East End as a city of culture when we did not even get City status! but enough of that that is a whole other story all I can say the airbrushing of us residents the whole thing has become a white elephant and it’s a shame because we really are a great bunch.
Well back to Botch up eventually after a lot of emails calls and sharp words it was agreed that the event should be promoted as a free event (something they lacked to tell us residents prior to the shambles of having to register pay a registration fee of £3.50 and take the chance of actually getting tickets on the requested days
(Yes I registered three times in total and each stage there was no tickets for those days)
Talking of registering does anyone know how many people in the East End have a computer? Yes I know that we have access in the Idea stores.
(I was informed this from some little upstart in city hall)
Also how many people really trust giving there bank details over to a webpage that promotes itself as FREE>>>> mummmmm not very many as it now unfolds.
Now back to the Elephant in the Park I did eventually manage to stress the importance that this should be promoted as a ‘FREE event’ and people should just attend
(Something they were petrified of just in case the place filled with us East Enders and they really did not want this to happen.)
Well the posters are now up in areas and it promotes a Free event, so a little too late but better than that what went before,
So I took the opportunity to once again pop over with the Grandchildren, made sure they ate they had Pie and Mash myself bagel shop I would not have liked to been arrested for retrieving my salt beef Beigle if they attempted to remove it from my clutches .
Talking of Pie and Mash’ salt beef Bagels’ Savs Pees pud’ roast beef’ fish N Chips’ curries and rice’ jerk chicken’ kebabs’ Chinese’ toffee apples’ strawberries’ what on earth has gone on why were we not tempted to have food we eat and promote as East End in these venues we would be happy to purchase what we know to be locals supplying the food then the food situation would not have been so hard to endure.
Well got harassed before even getting need the entrance, some spotty cocky upstart telling me “Lady if you have any food or drink you need to dump it” or in his pathetic words “or you’re not getting in.” Wanting to confront him that he is out of order and if I wanted to take food in I would but had the kids so they were excited and ran to the entrance we got duly counted by some officious little teenager looking at how many of us head counting us like we was on a school excursion
“There were only four of us by the way” then asking how many we were very amusing give someone a tee shirt and a counter they suddenly feel untouchable.
Told to go to a searching station once again we were counted in by some other person I informed him that we were already counted he told me yes his counter was a doubly checker just in case the other one did not record the findings properly? Take from that what you like but to me they were counting the same people twice but I suppose they have to big up themselves.
Now again to the Hoe down Once again over zealous searching of bags pat downs but whilst the intimidating way or being searched standing with my arms outstretches legs adrift I duly asked what they were looking for? and you will not believe the response a rather immature boy told me that “they are on Red alert and a terrorist attack is imminent at any time” OMG and then he informed me “Madam we are in the heart of the East End and you know what these lot are like “ confused I asked what lot my dear ha said “you know the terrorist” I just did not know how to respond in fact I nearly booted him on top of Claire house with the missile launcher unbelievable
after the confrontation I pointed out that I found his comments to be distasteful and unwarranted he backtracked and said “you know what I mean luv the east end and all the Krays” again asked him what he was insinuating he said “do you want to get in here because you can just leave and I have the sky”
. I walks on in disgust and found a police officer and told him of his comment the nice officer said that they really do not have jurisdiction and I should take it further, the officer also informed me that they had been instructed that they can only police the event in shirts and there vest and hi viz jackets are banned being shocked as I know it is a requirement for the met to wear their vest because health and safety and seeing we was on RED alert ( by the way the officer informed me we was not) he told me the instruction was from city hall that all events the police must smile and stand back and let security take precedent over them.
Oh dear this I feel is an experiment for Cameron and the Tories to replace the police with private security companies. GOD FORBID
Well we got into the event around 1,500 2,000 people but all the searching and security my 5 year old granddaughter had her backpack on with the barbies bubble gun drinks crisp and anything a little 5 year old can pack into her backpack.
But it could have easily fitted a sawn off shotgun which all us EASTENDERS ARE SUPPOSE TO HAVE IN THE BREADBINS>
Well enough said ////////// but Ted I feel that You you should consider the little innuendos and stories you run in your job and page insinuating that the East end is home to terrorist and all kinds because these people from outside the M 25 really think we are something to be feared so the next time you cast aspersions rember who is listening.
And as for the clean up all emphasis should go back to the OLYMPIC COMITTEE Boris and Coe because it’s there Olympics and they should be the ones responsible
this should win comment of the year
I think the more people document their experiences as Carole has done, the more evidence will be available when it comes to a review of this event and how it was processed by the Council and managed on the ground.
Records of verbatim comments by security people are wonderful! Carol was quite right to be outraged with the comments made to her.
I’m still waiting for the first person to post a live recorded video of their experience of the lamentable security people on YouTube!
At the moment I can only find http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr1Npa1wKnY
Note his last sentence!
I never knew it was OK to be abusive to the people if the event is free, while if they pay it’s not OK to be abusive.
Strange view.
I’d have thought being abusive to people is not acceptable at any time, whether they pay or not.
I’m not sure, but IIRC cameras and videos were on the banned list, along with food and underarm deodorant. But thanks for reminding me, the next time I go to one of these events I will take one with me!
My experience was similar to those above.
Crowd Control: went on the first day, without any tickets. We sat on the ground in the queue not far from the entrance for an hour or so, that was fine, then when it was time to stand up and start through security, a woman with a megaphone made an announcement that all those without tickets should move out of the main queue to where barriers were set up to create another entrance. About 90% of people rushed over there, but then she told us that this was a mistake and the new queue was for people WITH tickets. So everyone rushed back to where they had been with a curtain amount of jostling for position because hundreds of people were anxious not to lose their place. No harm done, but such shambolic crowd control could endanger people.
Security: Searching and wanding and removal of food and drink as others have said above – not endured later in the week at Excel, Wembley or North Greenwich Arena.
One of the many prohibited items was sports equipment. We were in the park earlier so had a football and badminton rackets. Luckily it was easy enough for one of us to run to a friend’s house near the park and dump these, but I would have been annoyed if we hadn’t had that option because I’m sure they would have insisted on enforcing this silly rule.
Activities – a bit of a misery because most things were so expensive so we spent the time arguing with our kids before caving in and agreeing to them going on the zorb balls – £25 for 5 kids to have 4 minutes rolling in the big plastic balls. The badminton was free but I think you had to give your details to a person with a clipboard before playing. When I think of the treasures of Paradise Gardens and all the other lovely things we’ve been to in Vicky park over the years (most of them free) its ridiculous.
We left to go watch the ceremony at home. I think it would have been fun to watch the big screens with the crowds, but apparently you can do this at Haggerston and other parks without all the hassle.
What we liked was the photos of Londoners from countries of the world on the wall on the north side of the site but I don’t know if this is anything to do with the Live people.
Victoria Park itself is brilliant these days. I’ve seen people here complaining about the new developments but I think the playgrounds are awesome. We used to take out of town visitors to the Kensington Gardens to the Princess Diana playground, now we have something equally wondrous here. And all free.
Well I feel I really should eat my words after making Live Nation my topic with which to bore residents with when I see them out and about! An overwhelming 100% of people of all ages (from teenagers right through to pensioners on those battery powered mobility buggies),said they had been, everyone said it was great and were urging me to go again. Many praised the food, although some did say “a bit pricey”. I think we would all do well to remember that local born and bred east enders don’t necessarily want healthy olive oil drizzled Jamie Oliver-style food – chicken and chips, burgers, noodles etc is what they crave and are happy with. They certainly never care what part of London the vendor came from . All loved the atmosphere and buzz and loved watching Team GB win medals on the big screens. (I do hope they gave Katie Taylor of beautiful County Wicklow a big cheer too yesterday when she won Ireland’s first Gold!!)
So, Live Nation from the perspective of ordinary decent working class residents of Bow (who do still make up a majority), has been a big hit. It has brought all ages together, something difficult to do with the usual festivals in Victoria Park. It has allowed people on very low incomes to actually have a bit of fun and a nice day/night out which they rarely can afford to do – that aspect definitely has to be applauded.
The security is not an issue – when probed, a few people actually simply felt the “bouncers” had their job to do and everyone should be grateful that the festivities have passed with no stabbings or even worse horrors taking place. For them the security was something that reassured them about going back. Heavy handed many may have found it, but effective in securing the site it has been. God forbid, but had there been some ghastly terror attack everyone would be asking for a Public Inquiry into lax security.
The taste of warm summer days and balmy evenings has definitely helped things, and I am sure the phenomenal success of Team GB and athletes from the Commonwealth Caribbean has really added a lot of momentum to Live Nation.
So, I hold my hands up and say I was wholly wrong at the start – local people are very happy that it is here, fun days and evenings for free in their own “back yard” as it were, and it is true, walk around the estates of Bow in the evening and you will be hard pushed to find bored youths congregating with nothing to do – my guess is they are over in the park, enjoying the Olympic spirit. And why not – they certainly could not afford real Olympic tickets (shame on LOCOG for this fact), and this is the next best thing.
Conclusion: I do have to say well done Live Nation – you really have brought some fun and enjoyment to the ordinary people in Bow.
You are not for real. Everyone reading this and experienced the parks know you would be a false blogger trying to improve the chatter shame on you I fear the truth will never come to light
Nigel is a genuine commenter; i know their identity.
These parks in the end (I went to Victoria and Hyde park) were set up for livenation to make money and from what I seen they creamed the British public and visitors it is a disgrace the mayor allowed these people to rape the public like they did. The no food was not a locog policy we spent two days in the Olympic park where we had full picnics in the incredible BA live parks which were truly inclusive unlike the livenation parks. BT must have done damage to them selves damage for any family visiting a park expecting an inclusive experience any one on an even reasonable wage could not afford a day in one of these parks water 2.50 a bottle really ???
the whole event was a waste of time, Im sure my council tax payment will goto helping repair the the damage done.
VIP guests to the closing ceremony show seem to have faired much better then us common folk.
* Private entrance to concert site
* VIP grandstand seating (tiered and reserved)*
* Exclusive VIP chill-out area with undercover facilities and garden seating (Chill out area is located to the side of the stage; you are unable to view the acts performing from this area)
* Resident DJ
* BBQ with hot & cold food platters
* Complimentary bar (excludes champagne)
* Olympic and Main Stage Screenings within VIP area
* Commemorative laminate
* Event staff and hostesses in attendance throughout
[…] Live Nation in Victoria Park – an exercise in entrapment The commenter TheTruthHurts makes some remarks on this post here about the pretty dismal turnouts at the Live Nation BT Live events in Vi… […]
[…] Live Nation in Victoria Park – an exercise in entrapment The commenter TheTruthHurts makes some remarks on this post here about the pretty dismal turnouts at the Live Nation BT Live events in Vi… […]