Issue 33 October 2009 £4.75
‘Success is set to continue’
Phone line costs prove frustrating By Christina Eccles THE soaring cost of installing phone lines at events is leaving organisers frustrated and out of pocket, it has been claimed. Temporary phone lines are needed at major events such as The Great North Run to transfer data and results between the start and finish of the race. But the event’s organiser said an increase in BT charges has led to him paying over £2,000 more for the same service than he paid last year. Charlie Mussett, senior operations manager at Nova International, said the lines now have to be surveyed by BT Openreach – which means that as well as the usual line costs and connection fee, the company has also been hit with a survey fee of £2265. Charlie said: “BT have complete monopoly on it and seem to think they can charge what they like. No other supplier is able to ramp up their charges by such a ridiculous amount in the current economic climate. “They have us over a barrel. We
need those lines because of the sheer level of people at the Great North Run.” Charlie added they have looked at ways round the problem such as putting in permanent lines rather than temporary ones. But he said although this would be a big cost saving, they do not have permanent structures on site to be able to do this. He added: “This is not a luxury item for us and we have cut lines to a bare minimum. We used three lines so the cost works out at nearly £1,000 per line. “At peak times the system does jam and rather than not be able to update results, we have to go with the costs as they are.” However, BT argued the costs are necessary for the work carried out. A BT spokesman added: “Openreach is proud to play a crucial role in providing temporary communications for events such as the Great North Run. “However, in a challenging economic climate, it is important that we are able to offset the costs associated with such activities, including any necessary survey work.”
Pop princess Kylie Minogue took to the stage for her only UK performance of the year at a concert celebrating the best of ABBA. Radio Two’s Thank You For the Music took place in London’s Hyde Park and included appearances from a host of stars performing their favourite ABBA classics. In a special feature, The Main Event spoke to producer Anthony Cherry who revealed the secrets of the show’s success. Picture: BBC Full story see page 8
THIS year has been incredibly strong for the UK’s favourite festivals and this is set to continue in 2010, an expert has claimed. The Association of Independent Festivals represents some of the biggest names in the industry including Creamfields and Bestival and co-founder Ben Turner said although some were worried 2009 would be a difficult year, it has turned out much better than expected. He said: “This year has been really positive. In tough times the people who are in it for the money walk away and those who are in it for the right reasons stay. There is no reason to think next year will be anything but better.” The association formed about a year ago and Ben said he is pleased with how it has been received. He added: “It has been amazing to see these rivals sitting around and helping each other to progress.” I For the results of AIF’s new report see this month’s festival round up. The Main Event is the official magazine of the National Outdoor Events Association