Security Training for Music Festivals in 2025.

A security presence at any large-scale music festival is essential but the dynamics of training for security staff is currently evolving. What are the significant changes taking place that festival organisers need to be aware of when making arrangements for training to ensure a safe and secure site.

It is common for organisers to use a combination or professional external contract security services and selected volunteers to ensure a safe and secure event. Changes in the legal system along with advances in technology and an emphasis on customer service are changing how security staff and volunteers are trained. What are the key areas that organisers need to be aware of in 2025?

Legal Framework. 
The UK has introduced The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law, which stipulates measures that organisers of live events must take to secure venues. It uses a tiered system based on the crowd capacity where security measures and training requirements increase with greater numbers of attendees. Most music festivals in the UK will fall into the enhanced tier (800+ capacity) where detailed risk assessments are required along with protective security measures (bag search policies, CCTV surveillance, vehicle checks). Organisers and security personnel will also need to collaborate with local authorities to establish emergency response procedures (evacuation and communications protocols). The Security Industry Authority will act as regulator with regards to this new legislation compliance and festival organisers need to ensure that anyone involved in the event security training implements processes to comply. 

Evolving Technology. 
New advances in technology is helping to increase event security and relevant staff need to ensure they are trained and up-to-date on how to effectively use it. CCTV systems are now being combined with AI analytics to help quickly identify potential threats in real time which may include suspicious packages or crowd behaviour. Use of drones is becoming an essential part of the surveillance capability on a festival site, and most can now be operated easily thanks to technological advances. Combined with access control systems at entry and exist gates it is now possible to collect crowd movement data and AI software can then predict potential overcrowding and choke points quickly so security staff can be deployed to prevent dangerous situations. 

Safety as a Priority. 
The traditional image of a security ‘bouncer’ is being replaced by security staff who now place safety as a priority. Appropriate training can include techniques on how to deescalate situations and provide the relevant support. In addition, training is required that helps security staff to identify vulnerable people and implement assistance. There are now strict requirements for security professionals to undertake first aid training along with recognising mental health emergencies. 

Customer Service Focus. 
Security staff should have a higher focus on customer service and training can help them adapt their behaviour to have a positive demeanour and effective communication skills so they can more effectively deal with challenging situations. Training in psychological techniques that can resolve conflicts without resorting to physical intervention. Building an effective communication system (walkie talkies and phones) can help maintain a high level of readiness amongst security staff who can quickly deliver relevant messages to festival-goers who may be at risk. 

For festival organisers planning their next event using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their event logistics. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, guestlists, ticketing, site planning, cashless payments and contactless ordering.

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