New Risks Could Emerge at This Summer’s Festivals

The Glastonbury music festival is on the horizon, but the mountain of plastic waste generated at the last event, staged in 2017, will not be making a return and new risks could emerge within the plastics void.

The festival has just announced a total ban on single-use water bottles, to try to avoid any negativity relating to plastic, particularly as 1.3 million plastic bottles were used in 2017. In just the short period of time since the last event, the world has latched on to the perils of plastic in the world’s eco-system, prompting Glastonbury to play its part.

This year, water will be available from free water taps around the complex. Attendees are being asked to bring their own reusable bottles, but if not, they can get one on-site.

Bottles are not the only plastic components identified as an issue by environmentalists. There is a call for music lovers to use tents that will last several seasons, rather than just a few days, and for attendees to also adopt plastic-free ethics in relation to their fancy dress.

New alternatives to plastic products are clearly needed, but so is a focus on new risks that could emerge thanks to a sudden abandonment of plastic. For instance, water storage systems and pipes can become breeding grounds for Legionella and an outbreak of a disease like this at a festival would be ruinous.

Putting on festivals entails taking on board other risks as well, a gamble on the British weather being just one. Bad weather can lead to gate receipts falling way short of expectations. Ticket refunds may also be necessary, hitting event organisers’ finances hard.

Equipment, staging, lighting, and other props required to put the show on, can present other risks, from falling scenery and staging, to electrical hazards. Outdoor catering comes with the risk of possible food poisoning incidents and allergy contamination and an event’s reputation can soon be ruined should there be any press exposure relating to drugs, sexual allegations or any form of crime.

Some of the most likely people to be injured at an event are contractors employed to erect the staging and other features required. Any injury can see the organiser being sued for compensation, so having insurance in place is imperative.

At another level, the event’s takings could be stolen, there could be disruption or damage from drones – now presenting risks in a variety of situations – and financial ramifications too, should an advertised act fail to show up.

Whilst headlines for events this year could well surround plastic waste, there are many other elements that can generate negative PR or have damaging impacts. Having the right
Insurance backing, tailored to the event’s specific needs, is very important, whilst buying both public and employers’ liability insurance is vital. Such protection may also offer the benefit of professional PR support, should a crisis scenario emerge.

No matter what size the event, there is an insurance option to suit you, which will provide comprehensive coverage. If you wish to find out more, please get in touch.