How to Stay Safe at Festivals This Summer

If you’re planning on heading to a festival this summer, you probably won’t be thinking too much about event security and the negative things that could happen and the risks that are involved.

Whether it is your first festival, or you are a veteran, there are some security risks that pose a serious threat to the attendees, so its best to be prepared for anything that might ruin your experience.

Read our event security tips on how to stay safe at festivals this summer and you’ll be able to enjoy the show worry-free:

Theft

1. Consider bringing a cheaper, older phone model which is unlikely to be stolen from thieves. Whilst you may want to take photos to share on social media, you’ll feel less worried about someone pinching your device from your back pocket if you wait until after the event to upload securely.
2. Take a bumbag or money belt rather than a rucksack or handbag, as criminals will catch sight of these and attempt to open or grab them, especially in larger crowds.
3. If the festival has an option to purchase ‘cashless’ wrist bands, consider loading one up rather than bringing loose money and credit cards. Any physical cash you need is safer to collect from ATMs on the festival or concert site.
4. Pack a disposable camera rather than a digital one as they are often expensive and will be an attractive target to potential thieves.
5. Never leave valuables in your tent, even if you’re only leaving it for a few minutes, and as you sleep put all valuables at the bottom of your sleeping bag.
6. If there are lockers at the event think about hiring one if you really do need to bring items of high value such as: smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, digital fitness wristbands, MP3 players, straighteners, expensive headphones and anything else which you’d consider high value.
7. Download ‘find my phone’ on your smartphone so that if someone does steal your phone, you can track it and hopefully get it back securely.
8. Take note of your smartphone/broadband device’s IMEI number.

Sexual Harassment/Attacks

1. A survey conducted last year revealed that 43 percent of women had faced unwanted sexual behaviour at a music festival in the UK.
2. If you feel as though you’re being pressured into anything sexual or harassed, get the attention of event security staff who should be on site 24/7, or tell a friend you’re at the festival with where you are immediately.
3. Stay in groups of friends and never walk away on your own, even if you know the layout of the festival grounds.
4. Walk along well-lit paths and areas which are full of people and not secluded or too far away from your campsite.
5. If you see something which classes as sexual harassment or violence, report it to event security as soon as possible and don’t just walk away.

Anti-social Behaviour

1. Stay out of disputes and report anything which gets out of hand to event security.
2. If you feel uncomfortable in one area of the festival or concert, move to somewhere else to save arguments or unsolicited behaviour.
3. Report anything suspicious to the event security staff or call 999 in an emergency – such as people in possession of knives or other weapons.
4. Report smoke canisters, pellets, flares or other pyrotechnics to security staff.
5. Respect other festival or concert goers and don’t push or shove to ‘get a good spot’ in the crowd – everyone is there to have a good time and feel safe.

Health

1. Don’t accept illegal drugs from anyone at the festival, no matter what other guests may say to persuade you.
2. Stay hydrated and eat well – more general advice on how to look after yourself physically and emotionally can be found
3. Sleep is essential for when you want to pluck-up the energy to dance all night into the early hours of the morning. Make sure you get at least 8 hours sleep afterwards when there’s bands or artists you can afford to miss.
4. Weather, especially in Britain, can be fickle, so it’s best to prepare and bring a waterproof jacket, wellies, thermal socks, a hat, gloves, and a big woolly jumper/hoodie to prevent hypothermia.
5. A first aid kit will ensure you’ll be prepared for any accidents in the form of cuts, grazes, broken ankles/wrists etc. Your mates will thank you for providing their safety without having to sit in A&E when you could be partying!
6. For more serious injuries, it’s best to visit the Welfare/Hospitality area.

Terrorism

1. Report anyone who is carrying suspicious objects or luggage to event security and get as far away as possible from them.
2. Alert security staff if you see a bag or object left unattended and don’t leave anything of your own unattended.
3. Arrive early at events so that you will get through security checkpoints quicker and leave unnecessary clutter at home to stop delays.
4. If you think there is an emergency, call 999 and look out for event security staff who have walkie-talkies or radio mics.
5. Never agree to looking after a stranger’s bags – no matter how convincing their story is.
6. If something happens, try to keep calm and follow instructions from festival or concert staff/emergency services.
7. Keep your phone charged in case you need to make an emergency call and to let people know that you’re safe.
8. For more advice about what to do during a terrorist attack in crowded places, visit the National Counter Terrorism Security Office website.

Churchill Security have provided event security services for more than 25 years . With SIA approval and a customer retention rate of 95 percent, we can be trusted to listen to your requirements and provide you with an effective, bespoke security solution.

Call us today and discover how we can help your event become a success.

Back To News