Attention to detail

I had two meetings yesterday.

The first was with the manager of the Cavern Club in Liverpool, the second with the manager of the Comedy Store in Manchester. We are hosting events at both locations in the next two weeks.

The Liverpool event takes place during next week's Labour conference. This morning I received an email confirming the details:

The Event
Drinks Reception for the Save Our Pubs & Clubs campaign featuring Beatles Tribute Band 6pm - 8.30pm Tuesday 27th September.

The aim is to attract delegates from the Labour Party Conference at the Arena. This brief has been agreed with Simon Clark.

Start time: 6.00pm
Speeches: 7.00pm - 7.10pm
Tribute Band. Made in Liverpool. 7.15pm - 8.15pm
Finish: 8.30pm

Simon and his team will arrive about 5pm. Posters have been provided and a banner will be delivered on Tuesday morning for display on Tuesday night.

Band to sound check and finish before guests arrive.

Stage to be set so screens are visible for guests to watch Paul McCartney DVD. Start DVD at 5.50pm unless otherwise instructed by Simon. Low volume so people can easily talk over the sound. Run DVD on a loop. Have some ambient (Beatles) music available just in case. Simon has requested the SOPAC logo be displayed on the screens before the speeches start. Logo to be sent to Cavern Club Events Manager by email.

6.00pm - 7.00pm: Guests should have an invitation (sample provided) if not a member of Simon's team will be on the door with our door person. The invites can be used as passouts. There will be a bar tab [for complimentary drinks] on the back bar. Spirits will not be included in the tab. Once tab is finished it will revert to a pay bar. If people want drinks (draught beers) from the front they will have to pay. At least two bar staff on duty in Live Lounge.

7.00pm - 7.10pm. Speeches. Mic in the centre of the stage.

7.15pm - 8.15pm. Made in Liverpool. One hour set.

Finish 8.30pm (approximately)

Catering. Provided by Garsans. Tresle tables to be set out on the area by the juke box. Remove ALL tables and seating from that area and the upper bar area. Seating and tables only in the pit area.

Transport. If the weather is poor Simon may contact [coach operator] as late as 4.30pm to arrange a transfer for guests from Gower Street bus stop at 5.30pm and 6pm.

Ah, yes, the weather. The club is 15 minutes' walk from the conference centre. Sadly, there are some things you can't control and if it rains heavily we're buggered!!

Fingers crossed.

PS. If you live in the north west please join us. The Cavern Club is outside the secure area so you don't need a conference pass. Several Labour MPs have indicated that they will attend so this is a good opportunity to have your say.