Festivals & high holy days Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Safeguarding concerns — Ensure all staff and volunteers working with children or youth have appropriate background checks, are clearly identifiable, and are briefed on supervision ratios. Establish a safeguarding point with trained leads present, follow clear reporting procedures, and restrict unsupervised access to sensitive areas.
• Crowd surges at entrances — Allocate separate doors for entry and exit, mark out queue lanes with rope/barriers, stagger entry times through ticketing or timed invitations, and position trained stewards to monitor density and assist vulnerable participants at pinch points.
• Processions on roads or through towns — Plan route with local authorities, obtain permits, set barriers and traffic marshals at crossings, use high-vis clothing for stewards, and brief participants on walking order. Have first aiders and police liaison present throughout procession.
• Security threats or disruptive behaviour — Appoint security stewards, brief on de-escalation techniques, install CCTV where lawful, maintain close contact with police, and keep restricted backstage zones. Establish emergency evacuation routes and rehearse responses with staff.
• Pilgrim or visitor fatigue from long services — Provide padded or folding seating, circulate refreshments, schedule breaks, and shorten elements where possible. Ensure medical volunteers check on elderly attendees, and use live relays to overflow spaces for those needing rest.