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Martyn’s Law for Festivals & outdoor events

Last reviewed: June 2026

Outdoor events work differently: a qualifying event needs 800+ people at some point, with entry checked by ticket, pass or wristband. The event footprint, queues and temporary structures all matter.

New to the Act? Start with the plain-English guide to Martyn’s Law, then run the free readiness check for your festivals and outdoor events.

Likely scope route

Usually assessed as an event, not premises — a qualifying event needs 800 or more at some point, workers included, with entry checked by ticket, wristband or pass.

What to think about

  • Peak attendance on your biggest day — including staff, stewards and traders.
  • Entry conditions checked at the gate are part of the legal test.
  • Map the footprint: stages, bars, camping, queues, drop-off points.
  • Organiser vs landowner control needs recording before the event.
  • Multi-day events count their busiest moment, not the average day.

Procedure focus

What evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication tend to hinge on in festivals and outdoor events.

  • A movement plan for a perimeter that cannot lock
  • Multiple dispersal routes — never funnelling back through the entry gates
  • Shelter options recorded, or movement-not-shelter stated plainly
  • Layered channels: stage PA, screens, stewards, loudhailers and runners

Common evidence gaps

The process gaps venues in this sector most often need to close — each one fixable, and worth a dated record once it is.

  • GapDispersal plan funnels the whole site back through the entry gates
  • GapInvacuation copied from an indoor template on a site with no hard shelter
  • GapWorker count missing from the 800 check — crew and traders never counted
  • GapControl of the event never confirmed in writing with the landowner or council
  • GapStewards hired on the day have never seen the site plan

Also serving

Sports clubs

Sports grounds, with the clubhouse and bar alongside — 200–799 at a predictable match or event peak points to the standard tier.

View checklist

Places of worship

The places of worship route — where the principal use is worship, the premises stay standard tier even at 800 or more expected.

View checklist

Not legal advice or a guarantee of compliance. Review and approve all documents before use.