Safety Tips For Gig and Festival-Goers
Gigs and festivals should be cherished moments that you carry with you for life. But there are always risks in these sorts of environments. Thinking about the safety of you and your group helps to ensure you all come away with nothing but good memories.
This isn’t always the case for some, though. Crowd crushes are just one of the threats at many big events like festivals. Most recently, we’ve heard about the Boardmasters crush in Cornwall where seven people were taken to hospital. A few years ago, Astroworld festival in Houston witnessed a crowd surge which left ten people dead and hundreds injured. Broken limbs, brain injury claims and worse faced some fans that night.
Weather, food, drink, people – there are many other risks to contend with at gigs and festivals. Consider our tips to help you focus on the music.
Stay hydrated and eat enough food
This is so important for outdoor festivals and longer events, but the point still stands for gigs. Many venues have water stations – use them! If you’re out in the sun for extended periods and/or drinking alcohol, you need to replenish your fluids.
Eating plenty of food should also help you to maintain your energy levels and enjoy the experience as much as you can.
Be aware of your surroundings
Knowing where you are in a venue and relation to other people is key. Familiarise yourself with event maps, exits, toilets and the location of security officers if you need to contact them.
Always consider where you are in the crowd. Avoid getting caught in dense, moving groups where you’re more vulnerable. Keep a close eye on crowd behaviour – if you feel unsafe, get out of there.
Keep an eye on friends and family
If you’re attending with other people, share the responsibility for each other’s safety. Establish a meeting point in case anyone gets lost – key landmarks or venue features are often the best places.
Try to stay connected if your group is heading to different locations. Location-sharing apps are worthwhile if you can get a signal, otherwise, message each other to check in regularly. But be careful with your battery life!
Don’t leave your drink unattended
Unfortunately, drink spiking is a very real risk in crowded venues. It can happen to anyone, whether you’re drinking or not. To help prevent it, avoid leaving your drink unattended at any point.
If you need to visit the restroom, pass your drink with someone you know and trust.
Plan transport in advance
Have a clear idea of how you’re getting home once the event has ended. Pre-plan your transportation if possible, whether that’s public transport, a designated driver or a taxi service.
If you’re using a taxi or ride-sharing service, always check the number plate on your app and the car as it pulls up. You can ask to verify the driver too if you need added reassurance.
