Smart planning: the foundation of a well-protected festival
A festival may look like one big celebration on the surface, but behind the scenes there’s a lot to manage – especially if you want to keep things running smoothly and safely. From large crowds and unpredictable weather to equipment damage or incidents involving visitors: as an organiser, you want everything under control. The foundation lies in solid preparation. And smart protection starts long before the first tent pole hits the ground.
What are the biggest risks at festivals?
A clear risk assessment helps you identify the key challenges early on. Consider:
- Bad weather making the site inaccessible
- Accidents involving guests or crew
- Damage to rented equipment or technical gear
- Physical damage to the venue or surrounding area
- Disruption caused by suppliers who don’t show up
You can’t always prevent these risks, but you can make them manageable – by identifying them in advance and addressing them strategically.
How do you keep your visitors and crew safe?
A safe and well-organised festival starts with structure. Think clear walking routes, effective communication with attendees, well-placed first aid points, and clear responsibilities for crew and suppliers. Make sure everyone knows who is responsible for what – from security to technical support.
For larger festivals, an event management plan is often mandatory. This plan outlines how you handle safety, logistics, crowd control and communication. It also includes first aid stations, escape routes and capacity limits. This helps you stay compliant with local authorities and safety services – and ensures your own team knows exactly what to do.
What does a good festival insurance policy cover?
Insurance is just as important as your practical prep. With an event insurance policy, you decide which risks you want to cover. Options include:
- Liability: In case someone is injured or suffers damage and holds you responsible
- Cancellation: If you have to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances
- Bad weather: Such as storms or ongoing rain that make the site unsafe
- Equipment: Covers damage to rented or owned gear
- Accidents: For injuries involving crew or volunteers
At No Risk, you can build your policy online in just a few steps. Choose your cover, see the premium immediately, and know exactly where you stand – quick, transparent and hassle-free.
What if something goes wrong?
No matter how well you plan, unexpected things can still happen. A sudden storm, a power outage, an incident involving a visitor – it’s crucial to be able to act quickly.
Make sure you’ve discussed emergency scenarios with your team. Who takes charge in what situation? Are emergency contacts immediately accessible? Does everyone know where the escape routes are? Test your emergency plan in advance, so it’s not just on paper.
In stressful moments, a solid plan makes all the difference. And if things do go wrong, it’s reassuring to know you’re covered. A strong event insurance policy gives you the support you need – from damage claims to cancellation handling. You can act fast, with a safety net to fall back on.
Smart protection = confident organising
A festival is a major undertaking – but with the right preparation, coverage and communication, you build a solid foundation. That frees you to focus on the programme, the experience and your audience. And when things get tense, you know exactly where you stand.
Want to know how to properly insure your festival? We’re happy to help you think it through.