UTV and the ITV Network are set for a major outside broadcast at Custom House Square, Belfast, at 6.15pm this Friday, 21 December. As part of Britain Sings Christmas, ITV will be recording the Belfast crowd singing along with a celebrity choir in London via satellite.
The programme will be shown on Saturday 22 December at 7.15pm when the best loved Christmas song as voted by viewers will be revealed.
Produced by UTV, Britain Sings Christmas will see choirs gathered at four different sites – Belfast, Newcastle, Cardiff and Birmingham, with each site having an outside broadcast unit with satellite uplink facilities.
“Three cameras will be used at the Belfast shoot, with one EP camera,” explained Gerry Feeney, the unit manager of the Belfast broadcast. “Audiences will be able to view the celebrities singing in London on large screens, with the song lyrics in the lower third of the screen.”
The celebrity choir will be broadcast from the TV centre at Woodlane, provided by the BBC. Screens for the Belfast OB are provided by Setanta Screens, with a PA system provided by Production House.
“Why not join me this Friday night and be seen on network TV singing some old and new Christmas classics,” says Julian Simmons.”It’ll be a great way for all the family to get into the spirit of Christmas, so come along and lend your voice to UTV at Custom House Square.”
Songs include; All I Want for Christmas, Fairytale of New York, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Last Christmas, Merry Christmas Everybody, Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Silent Night, White Christmas and I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday.
Julian will also be broadcasting live from 5.00pm in a UTV Life one hour special so turn up early if you can and begin your Christmas celebrations early with UTV.
