Showsec in Belfast for 2011 MTV EMA

16 November 2011

UK - Showsec provided a 15 strong management consultancy team to oversee all elements of the complex security operations surrounding the 2011 MTV EMA in Belfast.

A who's who of pop music came to Belfast to celebrate the best of the past year in a glittering awards show that will be seen by more than 600m MTV homes around the world through the global TV network. Eleven live performances and a host of international stars took pride of place in Belfast's Odyssey Arena, as EMA gongs were scooped by performers including Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry and Justin Bieber. Across town, Irish favourites Snow Patrol and US singer songwriter Jason Derulo played to 15,000 fans on an outdoor stage at Belfast's City Hall, while - the Red Hot Chili Peppers rocked a third stage at Ulster Hall.

Showsec Director Simon Battersby was the 2011 MTV EMA director of security. He says, "We have been engaged for months in advance putting together the detailed security plans; working with the show producers, the local venues, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Belfast City Council. With such a high profile show visiting Belfast there have been numerous challenges we have overcome to ensure the safe and successful delivery of the EMA's.

"This is a particularly complex security operation requiring extensive engagement with numerous stakeholders. The fact that we have had over 1,000 accredited people on the main show alone gives an appreciation of the size of the production and number of VIP movements we have managed."

Richard Godfrey, executive producer, 2011 MTV EMA comments, "Security is a huge priority for MTV and, given the scale of this year's triple-location event, the calibre of international artists and the sheer number of crew and guests, security was a huge and logistically complex task. Simon Battersby and the Showsec team, along with the PSNI, were outstanding and ensured a faultless and smooth-running security process both in the lead up and on the night itself."

(Jim Evans)