Newcastle students reprimanded by security after singing Wii karaoke too loudly

Security staff reprimanded a group of Newcastle University students last week for singing too loudly during a game of karaoke on the Nintendo Wii.

The household, who insist they were not breaking any local lockdown measures in hosting their SingStar tournament, was interrupted by security officers who questioned them about the noise and proceeded to ask them who was on the premises.

Security attended the property at 9.30pm and asked for the resident’s IDs, cutting short their incredibly moving rendition of “The Potential Break Up Song” by Aly & AJ.

While an ID check cleared the students of any wrongdoing with regard to the local restrictions, they were nonetheless told to quieten their karaoke antics.

Rosie Davis, one of the unfortunate tournament participants, told The Newcastle Tab: “For the days leading up to the Wii singing tournament, we had scouted Newcastle for the correct batteries for our Wii remotes. Anticipation was high, having talked non-stop about the upcoming tournament. We even went on a group trip to Wilko (incurring a £60 parking fine in the process) in order to get these batteries, but it was worth it. The package was secured, and the SingStar battle could begin.”

But before long, tragedy had struck.

“Me and my best mate were blasting “Potential Breakup Song” by Aly & AJ, when during the second chorus, there was a knock at the door.

“We opened it to security officers who looked straight from the door of Soho Rooms. They came to check out ‘the noise they could hear down the street’. They then told us we could no longer have our Wii karaoke tournament. An absolute violation if you ask me – it was our only source of fun during corona-times.”

Security guards, as well as the police, have been patrolling Newcastle’s student areas to ensure residents aren’t flouting COVID rules, with a view to do so until Christmas. However, their presence has not been welcomed by all.

“It was all very strange,” explained Rosie. “We have since had a quiet singing tournament, but it is just not the same.”

A spokesperson for Newcastle City Council said: “Operation Oak has for a number of years helped to keep residents of Jesmond, Sandyford, Heaton and Ouseburn safe, tackled noise, disorder and anti-social behaviour issues, and tried to improve relations between students and their neighbours.

“In light of the ongoing pandemic the project, which is joint initiative by Northumbria Police, the city’s universities and the council, has been extended to ensure compliance with Covid-19 rules.

“We encourage all residents, including students, to continue to comply with regulations and to be considerate to others.”

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