Event Safety

Planning a public event? Whether you’re organising the event or responsible for the venue, you must take steps to keep people safe.

Start planning early. You’ll need to assess fire risks, put appropriate safety measures in place and consider requirements such as licences, road closures and security. For larger events, planning may need to begin 12 to 18 months in advance.

Contact your local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) early to understand what’s required.

SAGs help event organisers plan safe events. Local councils in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can provide advice on fire safety, risk assessments, traffic management and other arrangements. 

Contact your local SAG as early as possible. 

• Find contact details through Find your local council. 
• Read the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on Safety Advisory Groups. 

You must have a suitable fire risk assessment for your event. The responsible person, which may be the event organiser or venue owner, must identify fire hazards, assess who may be at risk and put measures in place to prevent fires and help people escape safely. 

Use the guidance most relevant to your event: 

• Open-air events and venues 
• Large places of assembly: over 300 people 
• Small and medium places of assembly: up to 300 people 

If you operate a food stall or catering unit, use our fire risk assessment template to help identify and manage risks. 

Adapt the template to your equipment, activities and site conditions. Using it does not automatically mean your assessment is suitable and sufficient. 

Download our fire risk assessment template for food concessions 

Your assessment must reflect the specific risks of your event. If you need help, consider seeking advice from a competent fire risk assessor. 

Depending on your event and venue, additional legislation may apply: 

• Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987 
• Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 

For further information, visit the Sports Grounds Safety Authority.. 

We work with event organisers, local authorities and SAGs to review proposed fire safety arrangements. 

1. Notify us: The event organiser or local authority should notify us through the SAG at least 16 weeks before the event. Larger events may need 12 to 18 months’ notice.
2. Receive confirmation: The organiser and SAG will receive confirmation that we’ve received the notification and supporting documents.
3. Review arrangements: We’ll review the proposed fire safety measures and may recommend additional precautions or request additional information.
4. Put measures in place: The event organiser must make sure the required measures are implemented.
5. Check readiness: Before the event begins, check that the planned safety arrangements are in place.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law, aims to improve public safety by requiring those responsible for certain premises and events to prepare for the possibility of a terrorist attack. It is named after Martyn Hett, who died in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. 

The Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, with its main requirements expected to come into force in spring 2027. Whether it applies depends on factors including the type of premises or event and the number of people expected. 

Consider how security measures may affect fire safety, particularly escape routes and evacuation procedures. 

Read the government’s Martyn’s Law statutory guidance or the Security Industry Authority’s guidance. 

For further advice on planning and managing events, visit: 

• The Purple Guide 
• Health and Safety Executive: event safety 
• National Fire Chiefs Council: event safety guidance 
• Protect UK: security advice 
• Winchester City Council: planning an event 
• Gosport Borough Council: planning a public event 

Your local council can also advise on permissions and local requirements. Access these through Find your local council.