Changes announced for Gallipoli events

Extra steps will be taken to ensure Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli go off smoothly this year.

There will be an alcohol ban and the more than 20,000 visitors expected to visit the site in Turkey will be screened at checkpoints.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters and Veterans' Affairs Minister Rick Barker said the large turnout for last year's 90th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings put pressure on facilities and organisational arrangements.

There have been some improvements, with an updated transport plan to address road congestion, better food vending arrangements, improved seating and more toilets.

Audiovisual links will be tested this year. It was hoped in future people at the three sites; Anzac Cove (Dawn Service), Lone Pine (Australian National Service) and Chunuk Bair (New Zealand National Service) will be able to watch the other proceedings.

"New Zealand and Australia have been working with Turkish authorities to ensure that the 2006 ceremonies run smoothly for visitors," Mr Peters and Mr Barker said in a statement.

The Anzac commemorative sites lie within the Gallipoli Peace Park, established by Turkey to preserve the Gallipoli battlefields.

"The Turkish authorities spare no effort to ensure that the commemorations can take place in conditions of orderliness, safety and security," the statement said.

"It is important that visitors follow at all times the lawful directions of the Turkish authorities. It is important too to acknowledge the generous hospitality Turkey offers to our nationals during the commemorations."

Last year plans for singer John Farnham to perform before the service were dropped after an outcry the performance will be inappropriate.

However there was still criticism after the Bee Gees hits Stayin' Alive and You Should Be Dancin' were played on a large screen to the crowd gathered to honour the dead.

Such entertainment has been dropped from this year's programme.

- NZPA