Keep volume low, Barmy Army told

Strains of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot will be heard across the Auckland waterfront, but no dance music will be allowed at the Barmy Army headquarters for Lions rugby followers.

Conditions of a planning consent granted yesterday by independent commissioners also mean the fans will have to wait until June 25 to hold forth at former sheds of the Alinghi and Team NZ yachting syndicates in the Viaduct Harbour Marine Village.

They initially hoped to set up camp there today, making it their main New Zealand base, but event managers for the tourists said they had to abbreviate their planning application to Auckland City Council to ensure they did not miss out entirely.

"It could have fallen over, but we are happy with the duration limits as they will cover the three tests and the Auckland match," said Tony Stevenson of Elite Events.

Mr Stevenson and the Barmy Army must wait until June 23 to set foot on the site to start preparing it for the main occupation force of thousands of fans to move in two days later.

The base will be allowed to open from 10am to 1am on most days, and until 3am on test nights, but outdoor activities must end at 11pm. No "dance-style or heavy bass music" can be played at any time.