What festival organisers should start thinking about under Martyn's Law
Published
A festival trade outlet has set out the key points organisers need to understand about the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. The duties are not in force yet, but outdoor and temporary events are firmly in scope, so early planning pays off.
What happened
Festival Insights published a rundown of the main things festival organisers need to know about Martyn's Law, the everyday name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. The piece pulls the headline points together in one place for people running live events. It is a useful prompt rather than official guidance, and the law itself is not yet enforceable.
Why festivals need to pay attention
Festivals often draw large crowds across open sites, so many will sit in scope. Premises and events where 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at the same time fall into the standard tier. Those expecting 800 or more fall into the enhanced tier. These counts include staff and crew, not just ticket holders, which matters for busy event days.
The timings to keep in mind
The Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, but the duties are expected to begin in spring 2027, with the exact date still to be confirmed. The Security Industry Authority will be the regulator, and its notification process is not live yet. That gives organisers time to familiarise themselves and prepare calmly.
What to do now
Work out a realistic peak attendance for each event so you know which tier you are likely to be in. Start thinking about simple preparation steps for your site and your teams, and keep a note of your planning. Treat trade coverage like this as a helpful summary, and check official SIA information as it is published closer to commencement.
This is our plain-English summary. Read the original in full at Festival Insights.