Wellington Readies Itself for 'The Lovely Bones'

Film fans will be treated to a red carpet appearance from Academy Award winning Director Peter Jackson and 'The Lovely Bones' actors, Oscar winner Susan Sarandon, Oscar-nominated actress Saoirse Ronan, Rose McIver and Carolyn Dando at the film's New Zealand premiere on Monday 14 December.

The film, which will be on in New Zealand cinemas from 26 December, will have its Kiwi premiere at the Embassy Theatre, the scene of previous red carpet premieres.

Fans will also be treated to an appearance from a number of other New Zealand celebrities, including Wellington actress Geraldine Brophy, Shortland Street actress Kimberley Crossman, Outrageous Fortune's Shane Cortese and Kiwi singer Tim Beveridge.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast is disappointed she won't be able to attend the premiere because she will be at the United Nations climate change conference in Copenhagen. "Sadly I won't be there but I know how Wellingtonians love these events and the whole city comes together to celebrate."

Starting at 6.00pm, the stars will walk the red carpet from the corner of Blair Street and Courtenay Place to the Embassy Theatre. Two free public grandstands on Cambridge Terrace and Kent Terrace, next to the Embassy Theatre entrance, will let people get up close to the stars. Seating in the grandstands is limited and will open from about 5.00pm. Great views of the stars will also be available right next to the red carpet and fans will be able to collect autographs.

In order to prepare Courtenay Place for the screening and provide a safe environment for spectators, the following road closures will be in place on Monday from 11.00am to 12 midnight:

Courtenay Place (Tory Street to Cambridge Terrace)

Cambridge Terrace (Tennyson Street to Wakefield Street)

Kent Terrace (Wakefield Street to Elizabeth Street)

Majoribanks Street (Kent Terrace to Roxburgh Street)

Edge Hill (controlled access only)

Alpha Street (controlled access only)

Blair Street (controlled access only)

Allen Street (controlled access only)

There will be extensive parking restrictions on the closed roads and some surrounding streets from 8.00am on Monday. Bus stops, mobility parking and taxi stands will be relocated.