Family Festivals - Safety Tips

As More Families Attend Concerts and Festivals, Expert Shares How to Stay Safe with these Essential Tips to Ensure a Safe and Enjoyable Experience for All

A recent viral photo of a baby lying on the ground at a Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert in Paris has sparked widespread debate about the safety of bringing children to large events. The snapshot, taken at La Défense Arena, shows the child in the crowded pit area, raising concerns among parents and concert-goers alike.

With the seemingly rising trend of parents bringing children to concerts and festivals, it's more important than ever to prioritise safety. Families are increasingly making these events memorable experiences, but ensuring safety requires careful planning. 

Jarred Abbott, from A2Z Events, provides essential safety tips tailored specifically for families attending concerts and festivals.

Staying Together in Crowded Spaces

“Concerts and festivals are often packed with enthusiastic attendees, making it easy for family members to become separated”, explains Jarred. 

To prevent this, consider the following strategies: designate one adult to lead the group and ensure everyone follows closely, dress children in bright, distinctive clothing that can be easily spotted in a crowd, and equip older children with mobile phones while agreeing on a group messaging app to stay in constant communication. 

Additionally, use a buddy system by pairing younger children with older siblings or adults to ensure they are never alone. 

Identifying Emergency Exits

“Familiarising yourself with the layout of the venue and identifying emergency exits is a crucial step in ensuring your family's safety,” Jarred says. 

Upon arrival, take a few minutes to locate all emergency exits and mark them on your map or event guide. 

Walk your children to the nearest exits so they know where to go in case of an emergency, and have a family discussion about what to do if separated, emphasising the importance of staying calm and heading to the nearest exit. 

Establishing a Meeting Point

“In the event that family members do become separated, having a pre-arranged meeting point can be a lifesaver,” Jarred says. 

Choose a visible, easily recognizable landmark near the venue entrance as your meeting point. 

For larger venues, consider designating multiple meeting points at different locations. 

Plan to meet at the designated point at regular intervals to ensure everyone is accounted for. 

Staying Hydrated

Amidst the excitement of concerts and festivals, it's easy to forget to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather. 

Carry reusable water bottles for each family member and refill them regularly at water stations. 

Encourage children to drink water frequently, even if they don't feel thirsty, and avoid excessive consumption of sugary beverages, which can lead to dehydration. 

Jarred says, “The key to enjoying large events with your family is preparation. By planning ahead and communicating effectively, you can ensure that everyone has a wonderful time while staying safe." 

By following these guidelines, families can make the most of their concert and festival experiences, creating unforgettable moments together while maintaining peace of mind.

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels