Today Wellington will come to a standstill for the world premiere of Peter Jackson’s movie The Hobbit. There will be stars, screaming fans, air kisses and autograph signings by the thousand.
This morning I had a meeting in that part of town, just across the road from the Embassy Theatre, and afterwards I had the chance to wander around and take some photos of the preparations. The amount of equipment being set up was amazing and it seemed like every Outside Broadcast van in the country was parked in and around the theatre.
Already security was in place and great swathes of the street was cordoned off with the impressive red carpet running right to the door of the theatre.
And even 6 hours before the start of the event spectators were waiting. By late afternoon the streets will be packed.
They say that the best camera you own is the one you have with you – and these shots were taken on my pocket Sony T500 camera. It did a great job.
-
- Flash back – Return of the King premiere in 2003 – most of Wellington attended
-
- Flash back – Liv Tyler on the red carpet – Return of the King Premiere in 2003
-
- The crowd, the big screen and the theatre – all waiting
-
- The red carpet is so long there is a fruit stall half way for hungry stars
-
- Outside broadcast vans are everywhere
-
- Waiting for Elijah
-
- The clean up before the event
-
- Patiently waiting
-
- Local TV reporter in front of the Embassy Theatre
-
- Red carpet stretching into the distance
-
- Eager fans waiting in the sun at 10am – only 6 hours to go
-
- Banner wrapped building – where I had my meeting
-
- The Embassy Theatre awaiting the premiere
-
- Red carpet stretching into the distance
toscanakiwi 
Fabulous pictures, I really wish I could have been there.
The atmosphere – even at 10am – was great. Everyone was there for a party.