Experts offers tips for staying safe at gigs and festivals this summer

Music festival and gig season is upon us, and thousands of music fans across the UK will be gearing up to attend events and concerts to see their favourite artists perform live.

Whilst music events are fun and enjoyable, venues have come under fire in recent months following incidents caused by fans confined to small spaces.

To ensure the future of live music venues and events, Dylan Whatley, UK Events Assistant at Rough Trade shares some safety tips for those attending this year’s summer music events.

#1 Stay alert

Festivals and gigs are always a great opportunity to relax and enjoy live music, but staying alert is necessary to ensure you have the best experience.

Situational awareness is crucial for staying safe as being aware of your surrounding can help you avoid dangerous situations such as theft, assault, crowd surges, and more.

The more aware you are of your environment, the more likely you will notice a change and respond quickly.

The key things to be aware of are the people around you, the safety and well-being of yourself and your group and changes in crowd behaviour.

Be wary of people close by as pick-pockets and spikers bank on people’s distractions to get away with crimes – and check in on your friends regularly to ensure everyone is ok.

If you notice a significant change in crowd behaviour, such as excessive pushing or aggression, it is best to trust your gut and exit as soon as it is safe to do so. However, if this is not possible, hold your arms and hands at your chest to protect your chest and keep your balance.

And live music will often attract mosh pit enthusiasts, so make sure you are in a solid standing position to withstand any sudden movement and move away from areas of moshing if this is not your thing.

Crowds can also provide cover for assault, as standing in close proximity can make it easy for people to be touched inappropriately or be on the receiving end of verbal abuse.

A survey found that at least 30 percent of female festival goers have been verbally or physically assaulted at an event, so to minimise this occurrence, stick with a group and watch out for each other.

If you receive any verbal abuse or feel unsafe, it is best to leave the area immediately and report the situation to a member of staff if possible.

#2 Watch your drinks

Drink spiking is unfortunately not uncommon at music events, as large crowds can provide easy cover for people to drop drugs into drinks.

A report found that over 5000 people reported being spiked in England in 2022 to the police, so festival and gig attendees must watch and protect their drinks to reduce the risk and ensure personal safety.

Keep watch of your drink and the drinks of those around you. In fact, one of the best ways to minimise the risk of spiking is to familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms of spiking.

For example, key physical signs of a spiked drink may include excessive fizziness, a cloudy appearance, or sinking ice, and common symptoms of spiking include disorientation, a struggle to communicate, feeling or being sick and slowed vision.

If you or any other person appears to have been spiked, seek medical attention immediately by locating a medical tent or alerting an event or security team member.

To avoid potential spiking, you can opt for drinks served in more concealed packaging, such as cans and bottles with narrow openings, or purchase a spiking prevention cover before the event.

This will provide peace of mind and allow you to enjoy live performances without worrying about your drink.

#3 Protect your ears

Gigs and festivals are very loud and usually have huge speakers around a venue or stage that often reach over 100 decibels.

Prolonged exposure to loud music or noises that exceed 100 decibels for less than 15 minutes can cause long-term damage to your hearing, such as permanent hearing problems and tinnitus.

This can be particularly dangerous for younger music fans, as noise should be limited to no more than 80 decibels for children where possible.

If you are standing close to a speaker or want to protect your ears, opt for earplugs, which don’t completely remove your ability to hear the music but minimise the intensity of the sound on your ears.

Additionally, stand as far away from the speakers as possible to better protect your hearing.

If the music becomes too loud and you’re struggling to cope, simply walk away and take a break.

#4 Attend as a group if possible

Going to a concert or festival as a group can enhance the overall experience, but it can serve a more practical purpose, too.

Sticking to a group is generally safer as this can deter thieves and spikers who often target more vulnerable people.

High-traffic areas like festivals and gigs can provide the perfect opportunities for criminals to operate, but moving around in a group can offer support and protection against being targeted.

Before the event, establish general safety rules with your group, such as an agreed meeting spot and ensuring no one goes anywhere alone.

Additionally, set up a group chat to establish a clear line of communication throughout the event.

#5 Know your exits

If a situation or location becomes uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing, it is best to exit the area, and familiarity with multiple exits is essential.

Identifying the quickest route through the crowd to leave and an emergency exit, such as through temporary barriers, will provide peace of mind and prepare you for an emergency.

In general, it is safest to stand towards the edges of a crowd as this area is much easier to leave and will allow you to do so quickly. And if you ever feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to chat with security and event staff, who are always on hand to help.