Exploring the side of Venice that millions of tourists don't - the living city

Venice is the most stunning city in the world. 20 million tourists come here each year to explore the winding streets and the 1500 kilometre network of canals. They come for art, music, culture, history What they dont see is how this city really works. 24 hours a day emergency services of highly-trained experts fight to keep Venice safe. We have secured unprecedented access to the fire brigade, paramedics, police, rubbish collectors and coast guards as they face the blue-light emergencies and day-to-day challenges of running this unique city. How do you guide a 100,000 ton cruise liner safer into harbour without damaging the priceless, 16th century buildings? How do you negotiate the canals and decode the labyrinth street numbers whilst driving a water ambulance? How do you clear up after the Carnival and the Biennale? We explore the side of Venice the millions of tourists dont - the living city. EPISODE 1 - WINTER IN VENICE Behind the scenes as the city comes out of winter: all the complications of snow, high winds, fog and flooding. From the street cleaners and rubbish collectors, to the police who stop speeding and the builders who mastermind repairs to 17th century palaces from a boat. A chance to see an anatomy of Venice from dawn to dusk. EPISODE 2 - CARNIVAL As it emerges from winter, Venice is about to experience the annual invasion. One of the worlds most colourful events, Carnival transforms the city. Over the thirteen days of this extravaganza, tourist numbers will double - over 120,000 will descend onto the streets and waterways. The canals, palazzi and piazze will be filled with music, theatre, costumes and merry-makers. But also the potential for crime, theft, fire, accidents and injury. We go undercover with the police as they put on masks to catch pickpockets and ride along with the paramedics as they rescue an injured Carnival reveller from the balcony of St. Marks Cathedral and attempt to resuscitate a comatose tourist on drugs. EPISODE 3 - THE POPES VISIT The city is under pressure. One of the worlds most important figures His Holiness the Pope - is coming to town for the first time in 25 years. Safety is top priority, security is on maximum alert. The Pope is used to travelling in convoys of up to 15 cars with motorcycle outriders and 100s of police officers-Venices pedestrianised streets present extra security challenges for the emergency services. How will the city cope when the Grand Canal, the main transport artery of the city, is closed to all but His Holiness. And how will they transport the specially made Pope mobile to Piazza S Marco safely? EPISODE 4 - BIENNALE At the climax of the cultural year Venice plays host to La Biennale the worlds most important gathering of contemporary art. Thousands of people will pour into Venice to see the work of 82 artists from all over the world. Our transport experts will have to cope with the enormous pressure of delivering valuable art by boat all over the city whilst the security services are on high alert to secure these priceless objects arrive on time for the exhibition opening. And as ever, when Venice undergoes an international invasion, the Fire Brigade and the Paramedics are on standby for the unexpected. This film takes into the atmospheric Arsenal of Venice and inside some its most historic and beautiful buildings. EPISODE 5 - VOGALONGA What is consider the act of love for Venice and its waters, this rowing celebration aims to raise awareness against the wave-motion so dangerous for the city. Well follow a couple of our recurring characters in their training and on the final day, well talk about the danger of the waves hitting the precious palazzo and the huge maintenance work needed to preserve the city delicate structure EPISODE 6 - THE REDEEMER In this grand finale, every emergency team comes together for one of Venices most spectacular events: Redentore, the redeemer. This grand spectacular celebrates the citys salvation from plagu