8th September 2020
As event security specialists, we know just how important the role that events play in our lives. From lively musical festivals bursting with feelgood atmospheres to football matches attended by thousands of passionate supporters, events are where we go to have a good time. Events are the place of entertainment and competition, and for many people, an escape from reality. That’s why we are dedicated to making sure that our event staff greet eventgoers with a warm reception and ensure everyone has a fun and safe time.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events have unfortunately been scaled back or completely cancelled in the last few months. Large gatherings and situations where social distancing isn’t possible are deemed to be high risk. However, with the virus currently under control and risk mitigation steps in place, we are slowly heading towards a sense of normality. As it stands, the re-introduction of public events in the next few weeks will be the next part of the government’s plan to re-open the country following the lockdown in March.
Here’s a summary of the latest guidance regarding when spectated events can return and how they will return safely…
Over the last few months, the government has gradually eased lockdown restrictions. Pubs, restaurants and non-essential businesses have re-opened as have beauty and leisure facilities. The message is no longer ‘Stay At Home’ but instead, the public has been encouraged to eat out at local businesses while employees are being urged to return to work at their offices. With increased attention on a local approach, as long as national infections don’t spiral out of control, the government looks set to continue the plan of easing further restrictions.
October 1st looks set to be the next key milestone in allowing society to return back to normal. From this date, the government will give the go-ahead for the safe return of spectators at live sporting events. Several pilot events have already taken place and more will continue over the next few weeks to ensure that the safety measures in place are successful in mitigating the risk of the disease. From October 1st, business events and conferences will also be allowed to resume. Outdoor events, such as gigs and music festivals, are already allowed as long as safety measures are in place. Indoor event facilities, such as nightclubs, carry more of a risk and there is not yet a date for when they will be allowed to re-open.
While the approval of public events is certainly a positive step, it’s important not to take it for granted. The whole world is still dealing with the pandemic and it is up to both businesses and members of the public to follow public health guidelines, ensuring that a second lockdown does not take place. The government is clear in its guidelines that large gatherings such as spectated events can only happen if it is deemed safe to do so.
The safety measures that will be put in place for businesses events, conferences and live sporting events will vary from one organiser to another. With such a complex situation, there isn’t a specific series of measures that are required. Ultimately, it all comes down to whether the organisers have taken adequate steps to mitigate the risk of transmission based on current government guidance. Measures may include upholding social distancing at all times, including when queuing or when seated, increasing contactless engagement, requiring face coverings, and limiting capacity. Organisers may also be required to record customer data as per the NHS Test and Trace system. Enhanced cleaning procedures will likely be recommended as well as the installation of hand sanitising machines. Other measures could include limiting access to local attendees, checking temperatures on arrival, or testing attendees for the virus prior to their arrival.
At Stage Security, we are delighted to hold COVID-19 Secure status. This means that we are recognised as complying with the latest government guidance on managing the risk of the virus. Should you require security for your business or an upcoming event, get in touch with us today.
Please be aware that this article is accurate as of September 8th. The current situation is ever-changing and plans for the safe re-introduction of spectators at events may be adjusted should infection cases rise. Stay tuned to official sources for up-to-date guidelines.
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
