was delayed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Characteristics Carillons must have at least 23 bells to be considered as such, and the National Carillon has 57. It was initially installed with 53, and increased to 55 during refurbishments in 2003-2004. Each bell weighs between and . The bells span four and a half octaves chromatically. John Douglas Gordon, after whom the Queen Elizabeth II Island footbridge is now named, played the inaugural recital. The carillon features moderate-size function facilities for small gatherings offering views over Lake Burley Griffin and central Canberra. The carillon is in regular use, chiming every quarter-hour and playing a short tune on the hour along with tours and recitals on many days. For example, there is usually a recital of carols on Christmas Eve each year with music being played for around an hour at dusk. The best place to listen to the carillon is suggested to be within of the building though the sound can usually be heard much further away in the Parliamentary Triangle, Kingston and Civic. The quarter-hourly chimes of the National Carillon are reminiscent of those of Big Ben at London's Houses of Parliament. Links to memorials The adjacent National Workers Memorial was constructed with the idea that people attending would hear the sound of bells from the carillon, which would assist them in remembering their loved ones. Gallery See also List of carillons List of official openings by Elizabeth II in Australia Captain James Cook Memorial References Attribution Bibliography External links 1970 establishments in Australia Bell towers Brutalist architecture in Australia Buildings and structures in Canberra Carillons Commonwealth Heritage List places in the Australian Capital Territory Landmarks in Canberra Tourist attractions in Canberra Towers completed in 1970 Towers in Australia