Why Music Festival Security Matters More Than Ever in 2022

It’s been over two years since music festivals and other large, multi day events were permitted across Canada. Now with mask mandates gone, capacity restrictions lifted, and large scale events welcome back in every province, this summer marks a busy time for event organizers and those in need of the important services offered by music festival security. 

With the recent tragedy of Travis Scott’s Astroworld music festival at the forefront of our minds, Blackbird Security’s team wanted to discuss why having excellent security at music festivals matters this year more than ever. Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons to invest in Vancouver festival security and Toronto festival security companies like Blackbird, who will ensure attendees, staff, and performers feel safe. 

Rowdier Crowds 

Devoid of professionally organized large scale music festivals, event ticket holders are excited to celebrate this return to regularly scheduled programming. But in their anticipation to blow off steam at these sorely-missed music events, this type of mindset makes for major security risks. Excessive drinking, trampling, public intoxication, human blockades, equipment damage, and aggressive behaviour are at an increased risk of happening – as was the case during Astroworld.   

Increased Intoxication & Overdose Risk

Music festivals can be a hotbed for drinking and the use of illicit drugs. Now add the fact that over the last two years, the supply of illicit drugs has become exponentially more toxic due to shortages and border restrictions, and we’ve got ourselves a real problem. Accidental overdoses from fentanyl contamination have had a profound effect over the last year, with record high numbers reported: In 2021, Health Canada saw 20 opioid overdose deaths per day across the country, whereas pre-pandemic levels stood at around 7. This poses a major risk for all attendees, especially those consuming substances. 

Out of Practice 

Having been two years since the last officially-sanctioned music festivals took place, it’s understandable that organizers and event staff are a little rusty on proper protocol. Practice makes perfect, after all, and most haven’t been getting any. While it’s crucial to make comprehensive event security plans and safety guidelines before the fact, anything can happen in the moment. This is precisely why it’s so important to have an experienced team of security professionals working round the clock to ensure the safety of all.  

Blackbird Provides Outstanding Event and Music Festival Security

Want to make sure your music event security is up for the challenges 2022 has to offer? Our highly qualified security experts are well-versed in all matters related to event security, and can help you create a tailored event plan for your music festival security that addresses the following: 

• Access and Ticketing 
• Crowd Control
• CCTV Surveillance
• Risk Assessment
• Incident Diffusion 
• Intoxication and Overdose Support
• Equipment Security 
• VIP Security 
• Customer Service
• Traffic management and Parking Enforcement
• Stage Access Control