13th August 2025
Is it a bird? A plane? Superman? None of the above. That little speck in the sky, often with a bright light, is an increasingly common sight in the airspace over major events. We’re talking, of course, about drones, those video-recording devices that have become hugely popular in recent years.
They’re great for capturing high-quality aerial shots, revealing unique angles, and helping with crowd monitoring and safety. They’re also used for live broadcasts, weddings, sporting events, and even advertising campaigns.
However, in the wrong hands, the technology can become a menace. A badly piloted drone might hover over the audience, block someone’s view, or buzz too close to the stage and distract performers right in the middle of their set. If the operator loses control, it could collide with people, crash into lighting rigs, or damage expensive sound and video equipment, forcing a sudden halt to the show.
Then there’s the security angle. Drones can carry high-definition cameras for unauthorised filming, leading to privacy issues or breaches of intellectual property, a big concern for concerts, festivals, and exclusive performances.
They can also be used to drop items into a crowd, smuggle contraband, or even deliver hazardous materials. In the worst-case scenario, the mere sight of a suspicious drone could trigger panic, causing a stampede.
Even when nothing physically happens, the presence of a drone can still chip away at the atmosphere. Fans might end up more focused on the buzzing overhead than on the performance they came to see, and security teams have to split their attention between managing the crowd and monitoring the sky.
Therefore, event organisers must be prepared to act if an unauthorised drone enters their area of responsibility.
The priority is, of course, to protect people and prevent disruption. First, security teams should quickly locate the drone and track its movements while alerting any on-site drone detection or counter-drone systems. If the venue has RF (radio frequency) scanners, radar, or visual spotters in place, they can help identify the operator’s location.
Once the operator is found, security or police should intervene immediately. In the meantime, if the drone poses a safety risk (for example, flying dangerously low or near the stage), the area underneath should be cleared until it’s removed from the airspace.
It’s also worth having a pre-agreed action plan with local authorities before the event. This might include temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), partnerships with licensed drone interception teams, and clear communication protocols between staff, performers, and emergency services.
Keeping an event secure takes experience, planning, and a fast, coordinated response when the unexpected happens. Whether it’s dealing with disruptive behaviour, safeguarding VIP areas, or responding to new challenges like rogue drones, having a professional security team on site can make all the difference.
Stage Security delivers event protection across the UK with the same commitment to safety, professionalism, and discretion that has earned the trust of organisers nationwide. With trained staff, proven systems, and a reputation for reliability, we help create an environment where your team can focus on the show while we handle the risks.
If you’re planning an event and want to make sure safety is taken care of from every angle, get in touch with our team today for a free, no-obligation quote.
What our clients say about us
As a leading regional 24/7 security provider, we ensure every member of our team is fully SIA-licensed, highly trained, and prepared to deliver the highest standards of protection. Our commitment to robust quality processes ensures our clients benefit from consistent, reliable, and professional service at all times.
As a local security company, we take pride in offering a personalised approach backed by industry-leading standards. We work closely with each client to understand their needs, ensuring our solutions are tailored, effective, and delivered with care.
Our reliability, integrity, and meticulous planning make us one of the region’s most trusted security providers, being well-equipped to meet your requirements and safeguard your business and assets.
"Stage took the time to understand our business requirements and plans for growth. It was clear that they were the best security provider to partner with our business as we looked to expand in the UK and region of Suffolk. The services Stage has delivered to our business since the start of 2022 have helped ensure our site, staff and property is always protected."
— Sheng Li, FDS Corporation
"We have used Stage security since the beginning of 2022 and have found them to be personable and responsive to our questions and needs regarding a broad range of events. Offering appropriate security personnel to suit each event is key to us, and the team at Stage have always delivered."
— Jonathan Senior, Wherstead Park
"We have been working with Stage Security for a few years now and have always found their service to be very reliable and professional. We would certainly recommend them to other clients."
— Josie Stone, Beyond the Box Student
"The guys were amazing! Super friendly, fully capable, and highly visual. They took onboard our specific instructions, and we're nice to all that attended. Everyone at the event was very complimentary of the guys. I've recommended stage to several people based on this experience already."
— Councillor Ruman Muhith, Ipswich Borough Council
"We are very pleased with the level of service provided and look forward to continuing our partnership with them moving forward."
— Elmstead Place, Yugo
"Stage Security has been an invaluable partner in safeguarding our Ipswich office. Their professionalism and prompt response times consistently reassure us and allow us to focus on our core operations. Since partnering with Stage, we’ve seen a marked improvement in service quality and reliability. We confidently recommend them as a trusted, first-choice security provider."
— Birketts LLP
"I wanted to pass on a compliment for the security team working at the Regent on the 27th Feb: Another amazing security team- Allen, Kelly and Keira. They were proactive at the start helping to hand out wristbands to customers and putting smiles on people’s faces. Great customer service!"
— House Manager, Ipswich Regent Theatre
"Thank you to your two guys who were patrolling Christchurch Park today. They were very friendly and approachable. They took time to speak to the young people who were enjoying being in the park. As a parent it is very reassuring that they are in the park, and if there is any problems people know that they can approach them and they are there to help!"
— Lisa Cooper
"May I take this opportunity to say thank you, it has been a pleasure dealing with you and the company. Also, we all wanted to pass on our personal thanks to David who was such a nice person and he did such a good job giving us such peace of mind (and a much needed break every night after such long days!)."
— Katrina Robertson, Whitton Parish
"Kieran was the best front-of-house SIA security staff member we have worked with for years. He was attentive in what was going on, helpful and approachable with the customers. The little jobs I often have to remind staff to do just happened without prompt, he wasn't in a rush to leave for his later job, and he wasn't constantly on his phone in front of the customers."
— Shaun Whymark, Ipswich Regent Theatre
"I would like to thank Adam Howes and his team for their work and support at Suffolk Pride 2019. They brought their professional expertise and clear understanding of our needs to our event. They understood and delivered our objectives for the day in a proficient and skilled manner whilst carrying out their role."
— Suffolk Pride
"Thank you and to your team so much for Wednesday. You really were superstars and I can’t thank you enough for all your help and support. From the word 'go' you were all so professional and just got on doing what you do best."
— Sarah Shinnie, Suffolk District Council
"A very big thank you to you and your staff for a successful event (Stowmarket Christmas Fayre) that was held yesterday (28th Nov 2021). Your staff were exemplary, actively engaging with members of the public, reinforcing the road closure and also alerting myself and other Town Council staff to potential issues of concern. Thank you once again."
— Michael Marriott, Stowmarket Town Council
"I wanted to say a big thank you and well done to the security who worked here last night, especially Steph and Karl. We had a first aid incident which involved a lady fainting. Steph was very quickly on the scene and took a lot of control of what was happening."
— Mark Wright, Operations Manager, The Apex
"I wanted to write to say how brilliant your two security guards were at the school ball. They were the best we have had. They were friendly and professional, worked the whole time and were very observant with regards to the behaviour of our students; they were proactive about stepping in when required."
— Mrs Isobel Tyndale-Brown, Woodbridge School
"We held a music festival at our Holiday Park for over 3000 people, guests and owners. Hiring Stage Security was a simple process, from start to finish with professional care and regular communication throughout the whole preparation time before the event."
— Kelly Evans, The Orchards Holiday Village
