The Week in Light & Sound
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Each city was assessed over a number of months by an independent panel – chaired by television producer Phil Redmond – and set out the details of their plans to the judges when they visited each location. Coventry now has three years to prepare its year-long programme of activity, and will receive a £3m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to kick this off.
Arts minister John Glen congratulated Coventry on winning UK City of Culture 2021. He said: “The title is an incredible opportunity for Coventry to boost investment in the local economy, grow tourism and put arts and culture centre stage…In 2017 I have seen the transformative effect this prestigious title has had on Hull. The city has embraced City of Culture and in doing so has demonstrated how culture, the arts and heritage can bring communities together.” Hull’s local economy has received a £60m boost in 2017, with nine of out 10 residents attending or taking part in a City of Culture activity.
Artist of the Year - Stormzy has been named artist of the year at the 2017 BBC Music Awards, capping a hugely successful year. The south London MC, whose debut album Gang Signs & Prayer was the first grime record to reach number one, beat Ed Sheeran and Lorde to the prize. He adds it to a collection that already includes three Mobos and the Q Award for best solo artist. Rag N Bone Man collected album of the year, while Foo Fighters won best live performance for their Glastonbury set.
Epstein Theatre - Management at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre claims its future is secure despite news that the venue has gone into administration. The theatre is owned by Liverpool City Council, and operated by Epstein Theatre Ltd. It is understood that the venue has been struggling financially for some years. Lila Thomas and Jason Baker, partners at business advisory firm FRP Advisory, have been appointed as joint administrators to Epstein Theatre Ltd. In a statement, the administrators said they were in talks with the theatre’s management and stakeholders about structuring a financially safer future for the company.
Eurovision 2018 - After finishing ninth at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, Australia is upping its game for 2018. Pop star Jessica Mauboy will represent her country in Lisbon next May, broadcaster SBS has announced.The 28-year-old instantly becomes one of the most current, established artists to take part in recent years. Mauboy, who is the first indigenous artist to reach number one on the Australian album charts, said she would "sing my heart out for Australia".
Falls from Height - Three companies have been fined after a contractor to BBC Studioworks Ltd fell more than 10m at Elstree Film Studios. Harrow Crown Court heard how Eric Ihoeghinlan, an employee of Gabem Management Ltd, fell through a lighting grid hatch while recovering electrical cables for BBC Studioworks Ltd during a de-rigging operation. He sustained multiple injuries including a blood clot to the brain, fractured pelvis and ankles, and a ruptured spleen. Due to the brain damage caused, it’s unknown if the man will ever work again.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident which occurred on 18 November 2014, found the hatches of the lighting grids and the ends of one, did not have any edge protection. BBC Studioworks Ltd pleaded to breaching Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of more than £6,000.
Elstree Film Studios Ltd was found guilty of breaching Section 3 of Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Regulation 11 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 in relation to Studio 7. The company was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay costs of more than £39,000.
Elstree Light and Power Ltd was found guilty of breaching Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of more than £39,000.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE principal inspector Graham Tompkins said: “The employee’s injuries were life-changing and he could have easily been killed. This serious incident and the devastation caused could have been avoided if basic safe guards had been put in place. Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known.”
(Jim Evans)
12 December 2017