Crowd management is one of the most critical aspects of festival production. A well-planned system of crowd barriers and barricades can mean the difference between a safe, enjoyable event and a dangerous situation. Festivals large and small use physical barriers throughout their grounds – at stage fronts, in queue lines, around VIP sections, and more – to guide crowd flow and prevent accidents. Proper use of barricades not only protects attendees from crowd surges and crushes, but also helps staff manage movement efficiently. This guide offers seasoned advice on deploying steel “bike rack” fencing and sturdier flow-through barricades at strategic locations to keep festival-goers safe.
The Importance of Barriers in Festival Safety and Flow
Every experienced festival organizer knows that crowd behavior can be unpredictable. Excitement during a headline act or impatience at entry gates can quickly turn into pushing and surging. Physical barriers are a frontline defense against these risks. For example, a strong stage-front barrier can absorb and redistribute the force of thousands of fans pressing forward (www.hse.gov.uk), preventing a deadly crowd crush. Conversely, poorly planned barriers can worsen crowd problems – a misdirected fence line might create bottlenecks or traps. Investigations into the 2021 Astroworld Festival tragedy, where a surge led to multiple fatalities, scrutinized whether the placement of safety barriers contributed to the crowd crush (www.breakingnews.ie). The lesson is clear: barriers must be used correctly to protect people. When planned and executed well, however, barricades significantly enhance safety while maintaining a good crowd flow.
Types of Crowd Control Barriers
Not all barriers are the same. Festival producers should choose the right type of barricade for each situation based on the expected crowd density and behavior. The two most common types are lightweight portable fencing (often called “bike rack” barricades) and heavy-duty concert stage barricades (a.k.a. flow-through barricades or “mojo” barriers). Each has its uses:
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“Bike Rack” Fencing: These are the ubiquitous steel or aluminum barriers seen lining festival perimeters, walkways, and queues. They usually have flat feet or bridged bases and hook together in long runs. Bike rack barricades are relatively light and quick to deploy, making them ideal for guiding foot traffic, forming queue lines, or sectioning off areas with low crowd pressure. However, they are not designed to withstand intense pushing from large crowds. In high-density scenarios, these fences can tip or separate if people surge against them. Use bike rack fencing for crowd guidance rather than crowd restraint – for example, to organize entry lines or create gentle barriers around attractions, merch stands, or beer gardens. Always secure these fences properly (with sandbags on feet or additional supports on soft ground) so they don’t topple (queuesolutions.com) under pressure.
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Flow-Through (Concert) Barricades: Sturdier and more engineered, flow-through barricades are designed for areas with extremely high crowd density – notably in front of stages. They are usually made of heavy-grade steel or aluminum and built in modular sections that form an A-frame shape with a wide base. The front of the barrier (facing the crowd) features a horizontal rail and sometimes perforations or a curved lip. The back side has a platform or step where security personnel can stand. Crucially, this design is self-reinforcing: when a crowd pushes against the front, the pressure is transferred downward onto the base plate that rests on the ground (often under the crowd’s feet), actually making the barrier more stable (www.hse.gov.uk). These “concert” barricades (exemplified by the popular Mojo™ barrier design) lock together firmly and can withstand tremendous force without collapsing. They also have integrated features for crowd safety – smooth rounded tops to prevent injury, and gaps or built-in doors at intervals to allow distressed attendees to be pulled out from the front. Flow-through barricades are essential for stage fronts, front-of-stage pits, and any other hotspot where crowd crush or moshing is expected. If a festival includes high-energy performances (rock, metal, EDM, hip-hop), heavy barricades at the stage are a must. Even at smaller shows, if there’s any chance of crowd surfers or rushes to the stage, investing in these barricades is wise. In low-key environments (say, a folk or jazz festival with seated audiences), you might not deploy a full stage barrier – but always evaluate the risk carefully. It’s better to have a sturdy barrier and not need it than to face an emergency because one wasn’t there.
Stage-Front Barrier Strategies: Preventing Crowd Crush
The stage area is where the most intense crowd energy often converges. Without proper barricades, a wave of excited fans can press those at the front against the stage, with tragic results. History has shown the importance of stage-front safety measures. During a major festival in 2000, a crush in front of the main stage during a headline set led to nine fatalities and many injuries – a stark reminder of how quickly a dense crowd can turn deadly (enwikipedia.net). In the aftermath, that festival (and many others worldwide) completely overhauled its front-of-stage barrier configurations. For instance, one successful approach is the “D-Shape” or multiple-pen barrier system, which divides a huge crowd into separate sections using curved barricade lines. A notable example is the Roskilde Festival in Denmark: after their 2000 incident, organizers worked with experts to implement a series of barrier pens in front of the stage, splitting the audience into up to four zones (www.mojobarriers.com). This configuration limits the number of people in the front pen and creates pressure release corridors between sections. The segmented approach means that even if a surge occurs in one section, the barriers dissipate the force and prevent a mass wave from building across the whole crowd. Security teams can also easily enter the gaps to assist fans and relieve pressure.
When deploying stage-front barricades, consider these best practices from veteran producers:
- Use Professional-Grade Barriers: Rent or purchase purpose-built stage barricade sections that meet safety standards. These should be fully welded metal sections with no weak points, designed for high load. Do not attempt makeshift solutions (like metal bike racks tied together) for a major stage – they won’t hold.
- Ensure Proper Installation: Setting up heavy barricades isn’t just about placing them in a line. Sections must be tightly interlocked and often bolted or pinned together. They should be angled slightly back toward the crowd or in a curved layout for stability. Double-check that all sections sit flush and that the footplates are level (use shims on uneven ground). It’s wise to have an engineer or experienced crew chief oversee stage barrier construction, especially for large structures.
- Create a Secure Pit Area: Always leave a gap (often 6–10 feet or a few meters) between the stage and the front barrier. This space, known as the pit or moat, is where security and medics can stand to monitor the crowd. It also provides an escape pathway for anyone pulled over the barrier. Make sure this pit has clear aisles to side exits so injured attendees can be quickly moved out and to first aid.
- Plan for Pressure Points: Identify if your crowd is likely to surge at particular moments (for example, when a superstar headliner comes on). For huge festivals, consider a secondary barrier further back to break up a giant crowd. This secondary barrier can form a mid-field checkpoint that prevents the entire audience from pushing as one mass. It can also delineate an accessible viewing area or tech control area.
- Training and Monitoring: Even the best barricade setup needs human oversight. Station trained security staff along the front barrier – their job is to watch for signs of distress (like crowd members pressed too hard, or anyone who collapses). These staff should know how to safely pull people out and how to cue the stage crew to pause a performance if needed. Many festivals have avoided disaster because alert security or artists stopped the show to calm the crowd when they saw danger. Use barriers as tools, but never assume they replace active crowd management.
Managing Queue Lines and Entry Points
Long queues are common at festival entry gates, merch tents, food vendors, and restrooms. Without guidance, these lines can devolve into jostling mobs or broad crowds that block pathways. Strategic use of barriers in queue areas keeps lines orderly and moving smoothly. By organizing arriving patrons into defined queues with barriers or rope lines, you reassure them that everyone will get in or get served in turn, reducing the temptation to push or cut in (queuesolutions.com). A controlled queue also gives staff a way to meter the flow of people into a venue or attraction – for instance, releasing fans from a holding area through the main gate in small batches prevents a sudden surge through a narrow entry.**
How to deploy barriers for queues: For entrance lines, create a serpentine or “snake” queue with interlocking bike rack fencing or rope stanchions that zig-zag in front of the gate. This maximizes capacity in limited space and keeps the line compact. Use signage and staff at the end of the line to direct newcomers where to queue, rather than letting a chaotic crowd form at the gate. At ticket or ID checkpoints, barriers can form individual lanes, ensuring each attendee is checked in sequence. Always leave room for emergency egress – design queue layouts so that if an emergency occurs, barriers can be quickly opened or there is an open lane for people to exit. Quick-release connectors or dedicated openings in the fencing are helpful for this. For example, some events use swing gates or removable sections in the queue fencing that staff can open to relieve crowding if needed.
Inside the festival, apply similar principles at places where lines tend to form. At a popular food truck court or beer tent, use waist-high fences or barrier tape to create obvious line channels. This prevents the phenomenon of large crowds clustering with no form, which can lead to confusion and line-cutting. Attendees actually appreciate when queues are well-managed – it feels more fair and organized, which in turn keeps everyone calmer. A well-placed barrier that guides people where to stand can turn a 30-minute wait into a civil experience rather than a shoving match.
One caution: match the barrier type to the crowd size even in queues. For modest lines (a few dozen people), simple rope or belt stanchions might suffice. But for the main entrance at peak time, lightweight stanchions could get knocked over by a big push. In those cases, use sturdier steel barricades that are linked together, and consider weighting them down. Always anticipate the worst-case scenario – for instance, if gates open later than scheduled and a large crowd is waiting, there could be a rush. Design your queue barriers to withstand that possibility, and have staff ready to reinforce the line or slow down the entry process if needed.
VIP, Backstage, and Restricted Areas
Festivals often have special zones that require separation from the general public: VIP viewing areas, artist backstage compounds, hospitality lounges, or technical zones (like the front-of-house sound mixing desk). Barriers play a key role in delineating these spaces and keeping them secure. The goal is to prevent unauthorized access while still allowing smooth passage for those with the right credentials.
For VIP sections near stages, use solid barricades or fencing to mark the perimeter. Typically, bike rack fencing or a sturdier picket fence-style barrier can work since the pressure at these boundaries is usually low (VIP areas are not as packed as general admission). However, ensure the barriers are high enough and robust enough that they won’t be easily toppled if a crowd outside tries to push in. It’s wise to station security personnel at any gate into VIP to check wristbands or passes – the barrier itself provides a physical deterrent, but human oversight is needed to actively manage access. A well-designed VIP viewing area might have a secondary “buffer” barrier as well: for example, a double-fence system with a few feet in between, giving staff a corridor to intervene if non-VIP fans attempt to breach the area.
Backstage and production areas similarly benefit from fencing and barricades. These areas often run behind or beside stages and must be kept off-limits to the public for safety and operational reasons. Tall privacy fencing (e.g., 8-foot chain link or opaque fence) is common backstage, but near any openings or road crossings, supplement this with crowd control barricades and a security checkpoint. This ensures that even if someone slips past one barrier, they encounter another control point. Use barriers to create chutes for artists or crew to move from stage to backstage without getting tangled with the crowd. For instance, a temporary fenced corridor can lead from the stage exit stairs to the artist compound, so performers can safely get through even if fans are nearby.
Within the festival grounds, you may also have attractions or sections that need controlled access – like an over-21 only beer garden or a paid upgrade lounge. Barriers at the entrance of these sections combined with clear signage will filter the crowd effectively. The barriers should make it obvious where the entrance is and that the space is separate. Inside, avoid over-crowding the VIP or special area as well – even within these zones, use railings or smaller fences to prevent too many people crowding at one edge (for example, at the front of a VIP platform). Crowd flow principles apply everywhere: people will follow the path laid out for them if it’s clear and logical, so use barriers to create those paths.
Planning and Logistics of Barrier Deployment
Implementing crowd barricades at a festival is not just a safety matter, but also a logistic puzzle. Early planning is crucial. A festival producer should incorporate barrier layout into the overall site map from the beginning, identifying exactly where fencing and barricades are needed. Common key locations include: the main stage front (and other stages if applicable), perimeter fencing of the venue, entrance gates, exit lanes, queueing areas for amenities, emergency egress routes, ADA/special needs viewing areas (which often have their own barricaded section), and any place you want to restrict access or guide traffic.
Once you have a barrier plan, calculate the required inventory. Nothing is worse than discovering on site that you’re 20 barricade sections short for a proper enclosure. It’s wise to err on the side of extra when ordering or renting fencing. Differentiate the types too – e.g., you might need 200 meters of bike rack fence and 50 meters of stage barricade. Ensure the supplier or rental company knows the exact specs: for stage barricades, get proper interlocking concert barrier sections; for general fencing, confirm the height, foot type (flat foot vs. bridged), etc., so it all matches and connects properly.
Budgeting for barriers can be significant, especially for large festivals where hundreds of meters of fencing and professional stage barricades are required. However, this is not an area to cut corners. The upfront cost of quality barricades and adequate quantities is an investment in safety and a smooth-running event. In fact, insufficient or flimsy barriers often lead to incidents that can cost far more in liability and reputation damage. Savvy organizers will allocate a healthy portion of the infrastructure budget to crowd control equipment and justify it as insurance against potential disaster.
Logistically, schedule enough time for barrier setup and teardown. Installing stage barricades is labor-intensive; each section can weigh 30–40 kg (60–90 lbs) or more and needs to be carried and locked in sequence. You might need a forklift or special cart to move them around the site. Plan to build these heavy barriers well before gates open – ideally the day prior – to allow for careful inspection and adjustments. Similarly, setting up entry queues and perimeter fencing can take many hours, so engage a crew that is experienced in fast deployment. Mark out the fence lines on the ground in advance (with flags or chalk) so crews know where each run goes.
Adaptability: Even with a solid plan, be ready to adjust on the fly. Crowds might behave differently than expected, or an area might become more congested than your initial design assumed. Keep some spare barricades on hand for such cases – for instance, if you notice an impromptu line forming somewhere, you can quickly set up some fencing to organize it. Also, identify choke points during the event (like a tight corner where people are backing up) and deploy staff to alleviate pressure or re-route people, possibly with temporary barriers or ropes.
Weather can also influence barrier needs. High winds might threaten to tip fences with sails (like banners) on them, so you might remove coverings or add weights. Muddy or soft ground can cause barricade feet to sink or slip – as a precaution, use wider base plates or pads in those conditions. Always inspect critical barriers each day of the festival. For example, after a rowdy day one, check the stage barricade for any movement or stress, and have technicians tighten bolts or reinforce as needed. Maintaining the integrity of your barriers throughout the event is just as important as the initial setup.
Learning from Successes and Failures
The annals of festival history provide plenty of lessons on crowd control. Sadly, many safety improvements were spurred by past failures. We’ve mentioned the Roskilde tragedy – it led to industry-wide adoption of better stage barrier systems. Similarly, after incidents where entrance bottlenecks caused dangerous stampedes, many festivals revamped their gate layouts with more entry lanes and sturdier fencing. Event organizers should study these cases. One key takeaway is that crowd risk is often underestimated until it’s experienced firsthand – proactive planning saves lives. As one crowd management expert famously noted, “Crowds are inherently neither safe nor dangerous; it’s the event design that makes them so.” In other words, a festival’s layout, including how barriers are placed, directly influences whether attendees remain safe.
On the positive side, there are countless examples of festivals handling huge crowds safely through smart barrier deployment and responsive management. Large-scale events like Glastonbury, Coachella, and Tomorrowland regularly welcome 100,000+ attendees without serious crowd injuries. How? In part by using multiple layers of barriers and professional crowd monitoring. These events create front-of-stage pits with robust barricades, often have secondary “D-shaped” barriers that subdivide the mass, and use extensive fencing to channel foot traffic between stages and amenities. They back this up with real-time command centers watching CCTV feeds of crowd density, and roving response teams ready to intervene. The average festival may not need such an elaborate setup, but the principles scale down: even a 5,000-person event benefits from clearly marked routes and a strong barrier in front of any busy stage.
It’s also worth noting some unexpected benefits of well-planned barriers. Attendee comfort can improve – people generally feel safer when they see that potentially chaotic areas (like the crush-prone front row, or a mob at the merch tent) are managed by sturdy barricades and staff. This in turn can make them more likely to return next time, knowing the festival prioritizes safety. In contrast, poor crowd control becomes infamous quickly (word spreads online about festivals that had dangerous crowd conditions or disorganized lines). Thus, investing effort into barriers is also investing in your event’s reputation.
Finally, keep an open mindset. What worked for one festival might need tweaking for another. Always do a post-event debrief: Did the barriers do their job? Were there any near-misses where adding a fence or gate could help next year? Crowd dynamics can change with trends – for instance, a surge in popularity of mosh-heavy genres or an older demographic attending – so adapt your barrier strategy accordingly. Being proactive and learning from every event is the hallmark of a veteran producer.
Key Takeaways
- Match Barrier Type to Crowd Risk: Use heavy-duty stage barricades (flow-through barriers) for high-pressure zones like stage fronts or packed entries, and lighter “bike rack” fencing for guiding flow in low-pressure areas. Always err on the side of stronger barriers if unsure.
- Prevent Crowd Crush with Proper Layout: Never leave a high-density stage without a strong front barrier and a safety buffer (pit) behind it. For very large crowds, consider multiple barrier lines or pens to break up the crowd and dissipate surges (www.mojobarriers.com).
- Organize Queues to Reduce Pushing: Deploy barriers to form orderly lines at entrances, exits, and popular attractions. Clear queues reassure attendees of fair order, reducing the urge to crowd or rush (queuesolutions.com). Control the release of people from queues in batches to avoid sudden surges through choke points.
- Secure Special Areas: Use fencing and barricades to clearly separate VIP zones, backstage areas, and other restricted spaces from general areas. Provide controlled entry points with staff so these sections don’t get overrun.
- Plan, Monitor, and Adapt: Integrate barrier placement into your site planning and budget. Install everything securely and inspect barriers daily for stability. Train staff to monitor crowds along barrier lines. Be ready to adjust on the fly – add or rearrange barriers if you observe unanticipated crowd issues. Prioritizing crowd safety through smart barriers will protect your attendees and ensure your festival runs smoothly.
25th August 2025