Introduction
Festivals should be spaces of joy and community – not fear or discomfort. Yet around the world, reports of harassment and violations at music events have underscored the need for a consent and boundaries-focused approach. Studies reveal that roughly one in three women who attend music festivals has experienced sexual harassment or assault (www.bigissue.com). This alarming statistic, along with rising awareness from movements like #MeToo, has prompted many festival organizers to redesign their events with explicit consent education, bystander support training, and clear reporting pathways. By examining a few pioneering festivals that champion consent and personal boundaries, we can learn how to create safer, more welcoming experiences for all attendees.
The following case studies profile several festivals – of varying sizes and locales – that have made consent and safety a core part of their culture. We will compare how each handles staff training, privacy/camera policies, and incident reporting procedures. From global events drawing hundreds of thousands to boutique gatherings, these examples illustrate practical strategies for fostering trust and respect on-site.
Lightning in a Bottle (USA) – Enthusiastic Consent & Community Safety
Lightning in a Bottle (LIB) is a transformative music and arts festival in California known for embedding consent culture into its ethos. LIB publicly promotes “enthusiastic consent” as a community value, making it clear that only an unmistakable “yes” means yes when it comes to any physical contact or intimacy (www.libfestival.org). Festival-goers are reminded that no one should ever assume touch is welcome – even a seemingly harmless hug or shoulder grab requires permission in LIB’s space of “enthusiastic consent” (www.libfestival.org). This messaging appears in LIB’s online materials and on-site signage, educating attendees from day one about respecting personal boundaries.
Beyond slogans, Lightning in a Bottle backs up its zero-tolerance harassment policy with dedicated safety teams. The festival’s LIB Rangers are volunteers trained in conflict resolution and bystander intervention, easily identifiable in khaki attire and equipped with radios (www.libfestival.org). They patrol the grounds to mediate disputes and support anyone in distress. Attendees are urged that if they “see anyone being harassed or a vulnerable person in danger,” they should immediately find a Ranger or any staff member with a radio and report it (www.libfestival.org). This creates a clear reporting pathway: no complex protocol, just quickly alert the nearest equipped staff who can call in the appropriate help. Importantly, LIB emphasizes discretion and confidentiality when incidents are reported, to protect victims’ privacy (www.libfestival.org).
Lightning in a Bottle’s layered approach also includes on-site harm reduction and medical teams (for health or substance-related issues) and partnerships with groups like DanceSafe to promote safety. However, it’s the festival’s proactive consent education – reminding everyone that “LIB is a space of enthusiastic consent…always ask before you make a move, never assume” (www.libfestival.org) – combined with an accessible safety network that serves as a strong trust signal for guests. Attendees know that the community is watching out for one another. The outcome is a reputation for LIB as a festival where creativity and free expression thrive without compromising personal boundaries. Issues can still occur, but the community enforcement model means peer intervention often stops problems early and survivors have support on hand.
Burning Man (USA) – Radical Consent Culture & Privacy Rules
Though not a traditional commercial festival, Burning Man – the 70,000-person arts gathering in Nevada – is renowned for its radical community ethos, which includes a fierce stance on consent and privacy. In Black Rock City (the temporary city for Burning Man), attendees are expected to obtain explicit permission for any form of interaction that might invade personal space or capture someone’s image. In fact, Burning Man’s Media Rights policy is built around consent: simply attending the event “isn’t agreeing to be somebody’s art model,” as organizers put it (journal.burningman.org). Photographers must always ask subjects before filming or shooting close-ups, and if someone asks not to be photographed, that wish must be respected immediately (journal.burningman.org) (journal.burningman.org). Any photo or video of a person requires mutual agreement – “photos and videos must be consensual — an image of someone must truly be a gift, rather than a stolen moment” (journal.burningman.org). This stringent privacy/camera rule is enforced by requiring professional photographers to register and wear tags, and by empowering participants to politely call out anyone acting like “that asshole with a camera” violating the norm (journal.burningman.org) (journal.burningman.org).
Consent at Burning Man goes beyond photography. The culture prizes personal autonomy in all activities – whether it’s hugging a new friend, joining a theme camp’s playful antics, or engaging in intimate encounters. The unofficial “11th Principle” often touted by veteran Burners is Consent, underscoring that even in a free-spirited environment, each individual’s boundaries are paramount. Burning Man’s structure supports this through the Black Rock Rangers, a volunteer safety corps who roam the city 24/7. Rangers are trained to handle conflicts, from helping lost or overwhelmed participants to intervening if someone is being harassed or harmed. They use a non-confrontational, peer-based approach to de-escalate situations and will liaise with law enforcement or medical teams if needed. The presence of Rangers (easily recognized by their khaki uniforms) serves as a comfort to attendees – these are fellow community members one can approach at any time to report an incident or seek help.
Burning Man also communicates its consent and reporting expectations clearly in ticket terms and survival guides. Participants are told how to find help (locating a Ranger or going to centers like Center Camp for assistance). By combining a firm consent policy (especially regarding cameras) with a community policing model, Burning Man creates a space where people feel safer to express themselves, often in very vulnerable or wild ways. The trust signals are tangible – first-timers quickly notice that many attendees ask “May I take your photo?” or “Is this hug okay?” which sets a tone of respect. The outcome is a unique environment where, despite the revelry, there is a pervasive understanding: everyone’s personhood is to be honored. This reputation for radical respect is one reason Burning Man’s attendees feel comfortable pushing personal boundaries and creativity – freedom is nurtured by a foundation of consent.
Coachella (USA) – The “Every One” Safety Initiative
One of the world’s largest music festivals, Coachella, provides a case study in how a mainstream event can pivot to address harassment and safety. After high-profile reports of “rampant” groping and sexual misconduct at Coachella 2018 (one journalist reported being groped 22 times in one day), the festival’s organizers faced pressure to act. In 2019, Coachella’s promoter Goldenvoice rolled out an extensive anti-harassment program called “Every One” (en.wikipedia.org). This initiative introduced new fan resources and policies designed to combat unwelcome behavior and improve response when incidents occur. For example, Coachella established specially marked safe spaces on the festival grounds where attendees could easily find professional counselors or security staff if they felt unsafe (en.wikipedia.org). These spaces were publicized and clearly indicated, lowering the barrier for someone to seek help.
A key element of Every One was deploying roving “Safety Ambassadors” throughout the venue (en.wikipedia.org). These ambassadors – often wearing identifiable shirts or badges – are staff trained in bystander intervention, consent awareness, and providing trauma-informed support. Their role is to be approachable figures that any guest can turn to if they experience or witness harassment. Ambassadors can then direct the individual to onsite counselors or medical care as needed, or help report the incident through official channels. Coachella’s standard security teams also received additional training under this program to handle sexual harassment reports more sensitively.
Policies under Every One include a zero-tolerance stance: attendees are informed via signage, pre-show emails, and the festival app that groping, lewd behavior, or any form of assault will lead to ejection and involvement of law enforcement. By making these rules highly visible, Coachella aimed to deter would-be offenders and empower victims to speak out. The festival also provided multiple reporting pathways – from telling any staff member or ambassador, to using an attendee services phone line, or visiting the clearly marked safety tents. In essence, Coachella tried to cover all bases: prevention through education (posters and announcements about consent), immediate intervention via ambassadors, and post-incident support with counseling services.
Early outcomes of Every One were encouraging. The initiative sent a strong message that one of the world’s biggest festivals was actively addressing a problem often ignored in the past. Attendees in 2019 noted the visibility of ambassadors and felt the festival had become more attentive to safety. Coachella’s approach has since been referenced as a model for large events. By investing in these measures, the festival signaled to its guests, “We hear you, and your safety is our priority.” This trust-building is crucial for retaining audience confidence, especially among female and LGBTQ+ attendees who disproportionately experience harassment. Coachella demonstrated that even at scale (125,000 attendees per day), it’s possible to weave consent and boundaries into the fabric of the festival experience.
Shambala Festival (UK) – Safe Spaces and Bystander Empowerment
Shambala in the UK is a boutique 15,000-person festival celebrated for its conscientious community and progressive values. From the moment attendees arrive, Shambala sets expectations that the event is a harassment-free zone grounded in respect. The festival’s organizers explicitly state that they strive to create “a space where festival folk from all backgrounds… feel welcome, safe and free to be their glorious selves,” and that they do not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, or micro-aggression (www.shambalafestival.org). This ethos is not just lip service – it’s reinforced through comprehensive on-site measures focused on consent education, active bystander support, and victim services.
One notable aspect of Shambala’s approach is encouraging everyone to be part of the safety net. The festival’s messaging exhorts attendees to “be a buddy, not a bystander” (www.shambalafestival.org) if they see someone in trouble. Volunteers, stewards, bar staff, and even fellow campers are reminded that a simple check-in – “Are you okay?” – or fetching help can make a critical difference. To make helping easier, Shambala publishes a 24-hour emergency hotline number (available in the festival app, program guides, and posted on signage) that connects directly to Event Control for urgent support (www.shambalafestival.org). It also staffsa Public Info Tent and campsite hubs where any concern can be reported. These multiple access points mean assistance is always within reach, whether through a phone call or by approaching event staff on the ground.
Shambala takes sexual safety especially seriously. In partnership with a UK industry-wide campaign for safer festivals, it affirms that “any form of uninvited advance (physical or verbal) is absolutely unacceptable.” Attendees are actively urged that if they experience or witness sexual harassment, they should report it immediately – all reports will be taken seriously and acted upon (“Don’t be a bystander!” as the festival says) (www.shambalafestival.org). To facilitate this, Shambala employs a dedicated Sexual Assault & Domestic Abuse safeguarding lead, a professional on site who specializes in handling such cases with care (www.shambalafestival.org). Staff and security are briefed to alert this specialist if an incident arises so that victims receive expert support and guidance on next steps (including medical care or police involvement as needed).
Another innovative program at Shambala is the use of the “Ask for Angela” scheme at all bars (www.shambalafestival.org). This UK-developed initiative provides a discreet code: if someone feels threatened or uncomfortable (for example, being hit on aggressively or fearing their drink was spiked), they can “ask for Angela” from the bar staff. The staff are trained to respond immediately by helping remove that person to a safe space and handling the situation (separating them from the harasser, calling security or medical help). The festival prominently advertises this codeword on posters across the site, alongside messages about its zero-tolerance policy on drink spiking (www.shambalafestival.org). By normalizing these safety tools, Shambala empowers guests to seek help without fuss or embarrassment.
Shambala’s reporting pathways are equally robust. Guests can report incidents through whichever means they feel comfortable – telling any steward or security member (who will escalate it), visiting the welfare tent or medical center (open 24/7 with trained mental health professionals and a calm space) (www.shambalafestival.org) (www.shambalafestival.org), using the festival’s mobile app feedback function, or calling the emergency hotline (www.shambalafestival.org). Post-event, there are also channels to email the festival organizers if someone needs to follow up on an issue. This variety of options recognizes that in tense situations, different people prefer different ways to ask for help.
The outcomes at Shambala have been positive, according to the festival organizers. They note that over the years very few serious incidents have been reported (www.shambalafestival.org) – a sign that the festival’s strong community ethos may be preventing many problems to begin with. Those that are reported are dealt with swiftly. Attendees have a high degree of trust in the festival’s commitment to safety, bolstered by visible signals like the posters, dedicated welfare teams, and inclusive policies. Shambala’s example shows how even a smaller festival can proactively create an inclusive, watchful environment. By combining education (pre-event communications about consent and microaggressions), environmental design (e.g. a “sensory calm space” yurt for anyone feeling overwhelmed), and empowered staff/volunteers, they foster a culture of accountability without dampening the fun.
Primavera Sound (Spain) – “Nobody Is Normal” Protocol and Training
A major international festival making waves in consent and inclusivity is Primavera Sound in Barcelona. In 2019 Primavera Sound became one of the first large festivals to implement a comprehensive anti-harassment and anti-discrimination protocol, under the banner “Nobody Is Normal.” This action plan coincided with Primavera’s groundbreaking move to feature a 50/50 gender-balanced artist lineup – reinforcing the message that diversity and safety go hand in hand. The Nobody Is Normal protocol is a bold pledge to ensure the festival is free of sexual aggression, machismo, transphobia, homophobia, or any behavior that would make attendees feel unwelcome (fundacioprimaverasound.org). In other words, everybody should be able to enjoy the music without fear, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or background.
To turn this promise into practice, Primavera Sound invested in both infrastructure and human resources on site. The festival sets up multiple information and support booths each year in its venue (the Parc del Fòrum) specifically for handling harassment or abuse complaints (fundacioprimaverasound.org). At these clearly marked tents, attendees can report any incident of sexual violence or discrimination they experience or witness. They can also simply stop by to learn more about the Nobody Is Normal policy – signaling that education is part of the mission, not just reaction. Additionally, Primavera deploys a team of roaming safety staff during the festival who serve as eyes and ears in the crowd (fundacioprimaverasound.org). Crucially, the festival ensured this safety team is itself diverse in gender, sexuality, race, and body type (fundacioprimaverasound.org). The thinking is that a varied team will be more approachable to all attendees and better able to spot potential issues (for instance, they may notice if someone is being hassled in the crowd, or if a group is engaging in unwanted behavior).
Perhaps one of the most significant aspects of Primavera’s approach is the emphasis on training. The festival committed to having “all the staff working at the festival… properly trained to deal with any incident correctly.” (fundacioprimaverasound.org) (fundacioprimaverasound.org) This means everyone from security guards and bartenders to volunteers and artist liaisons receives guidance on the protocol, how to respond to reports, and how to uphold a safe atmosphere. Staff are trained to recognize harassment (including subtle behaviors), how to intervene as active bystanders, and how to assist victims while minimizing further trauma. By standardizing training, Primavera ensures that the first person an attendee turns to for help – whomever it may be – will respond seriously and compassionately.
The privacy/camera rules at Primavera Sound are generally in line with typical European festival standards (photography is allowed, but professional media must be accredited). While they don’t have restrictive camera policies like Burning Man, the focus is on behavior: no footage should ever be exploitative or invasive. Security can step in if, for example, someone is filming individuals inappropriately or without regard for consent. But overall, Primavera’s distinct contribution is more in the realm of social safety rather than photography rules.
So far, the outcomes of the Nobody Is Normal initiative have been encouraging. Primavera Sound’s leadership reported that after introducing these measures and the gender-balanced lineup, they saw more women and LGBTQ+ people attending and working at the festival, feeling that it was a safer space for them (www.bigissue.com). The festival’s stance has also made it a reference point in industry discussions; in 2023, Primavera’s team was even invited to advise UK Parliament on how festivals can combat misogyny and harassment (www.bigissue.com). This indicates that their protocol is viewed as a successful model. For festival-goers, seeing a large event dedicate resources to a “support network” on-site and embrace a motto like Nobody Is Normal (implying that diversity is celebrated) sends a reassuring signal. It tells guests that if something goes wrong, the festival has their back. This trust can transform a guest’s experience – allowing them to enjoy performances and community interactions with less anxiety about personal safety.
Comparing Approaches and Lessons Learned
These case studies showcase a variety of strategies to center consent and boundaries at festivals. All the festivals profiled share a common philosophy of zero tolerance for harassment, but they implement it through different means tailored to their size and culture:
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Staff and Volunteer Training: Training is a recurring theme. Primavera Sound mandated full-staff training on handling incidents (fundacioprimaverasound.org), while Coachella introduced specialized Safety Ambassador roles trained in intervention (en.wikipedia.org). Lightning in a Bottle and Burning Man rely on volunteer teams (Rangers) who receive conflict-resolution training and carry the ethos of consent to the ground level (www.libfestival.org). The lesson is clear – invest in preparing your people. When staff and volunteers know how to spot issues and what steps to take, attendees receive quicker and more competent help. Even a modest workshop for your crew on bystander intervention and victim support can significantly improve responses to problems.
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Consent Education & Messaging: All these events proactively communicate their expectations around consent. LIB explicitly tells its community that only “enthusiastic yes” means yes (www.libfestival.org), setting a norm that guests can actively follow. Shambala prints reminders in programs and puts up posters about unacceptable behavior (www.shambalafestival.org), and it even educates attendees on concepts like microaggressions to raise awareness (www.shambalafestival.org) (www.shambalafestival.org). Burning Man built consent into its photography rules and cultural greetings. For festival organizers, this shows the importance of setting the tone early and often. Clear, visible guidelines – whether via emails, signage, or opening announcements – act as preventative education. They discourage would-be harassers and empower attendees (especially first-timers) to uphold a respectful vibe. Community buy-in is easier when everyone knows the code of conduct.
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Reporting Pathways: A critical practical element is giving attendees easy ways to get help. The festivals above have multiple reporting pathways: in-person (find a Ranger, staffer, or booth), via phone/text (hotlines or app features), and through third-parties (ask a friend or any crew member to assist). Redundancy is important because in the moment of distress, a guest might not remember or manage one particular channel. Providing choices – and publicizing them – increases the chance issues will be reported rather than ignored. It’s also key that the response is immediate and empathetic. For example, Coachella’s counselors and Shambala’s welfare team are ready to believe and support victims on the spot, which builds confidence in the system.
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Privacy and Camera Policies: Handling photography and privacy is part of respecting boundaries, though approaches differ by event type. Burning Man takes the strictest stance – requiring consent for photos and controlling usage (journal.burningman.org) (journal.burningman.org) – because participants there often engage in very vulnerable self-expression. Smaller transformative festivals like LIB similarly encourage attendees to be present and ask before photographing others, although they may not enforce it as formally. By contrast, mainstream festivals such as Coachella or Primavera allow fairly open photography, but they will still intervene if someone uses a camera to harass or violate privacy (for instance, recording someone’s wardrobe malfunction or unwanted close-ups could get one removed). The takeaway for festival organizers is to consider how privacy affects consent at your event. If your audience values anonymity or if activities are of a sensitive nature (art installations, costumes, etc.), instituting a photography policy or no-photo zones can greatly enhance guests’ sense of security. Even simple measures like colored wristbands for those who don’t want to be photographed, or signs asking attendees to seek consent before snapping pictures, can make a difference.
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Visible Signals of Safety: Another lesson is the power of visible safety signals. Each of these festivals uses some outward markers to show attendees that support is available: Coachella’s safety ambassadors wearing identifiable gear, Primavera’s information booths, Shambala’s posters and “Ask for Angela” signage, LIB and Burning Man’s roaming Rangers in uniform. These cues not only deter bad actors (who realize the environment is alert) but also encourage good actors. When festival-goers see a “Consent Team” tent or a poster stating “Zero tolerance for harassment,” it implicitly invites them to be part of the solution – to watch out for each other and not hesitate to get help. It also reassures vulnerable guests (for example, someone attending alone) that the organizers care about their well-being.
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Community and Diversity: A more subtle but important aspect is how community values and diversity can bolster safety. Festivals like Shambala and Burning Man have long fostered a culture of community care, which naturally extends into participants policing themselves (in a positive sense) and helping strangers. Primavera made a point to diversify its lineup and staff – having more women, LGBTQ+ folks, and people of color in authority positions – which can make otherwise marginalized attendees feel seen and safer. When the people running the show reflect the crowd, guests are more likely to trust that their concerns will be understood. Festival organizers can take a cue from this by involving a diversity of voices when crafting safety policies or training, ensuring policies aren’t one-dimensional.
Ultimately, these case studies illustrate that prioritizing consent and boundaries is achievable in any festival setting – be it a free-spirited arts gathering in the desert, a multi-stage mega concert, or a family-friendly cultural fest. The approaches may vary, but the goals are the same: to create an environment where all attendees feel safe and respected, and to have strong systems ready to address any violations of that safety.
Key Takeaways
- Embed Consent in the Culture: Make respect and consent core values of your festival. Communicate this in your code of conduct, signage, and messaging so every attendee knows the standard (e.g. “Only yes means yes” and no unwanted touch is tolerated) (www.libfestival.org).
- Train Your Team and Volunteers: Ensure staff, security, and volunteers are trained in bystander intervention and responding to harassment. Even a small dedicated safety crew (like LIB’s Rangers or Coachella’s ambassadors) with proper training can hugely impact guest well-being (www.libfestival.org) (en.wikipedia.org).
- Multiple Reporting Channels: Provide easy ways for attendees to report issues or get help – for example, clearly marked help booths, 24/7 phone hotlines, text/app-based reporting, and an obvious presence of approachable staff. The quicker and simpler it is to reach help, the more likely problems will be reported and addressed.
- Privacy and Camera Considerations: Consider policies on photography and privacy that suit your event. If your attendees are in vulnerable situations (costumes, states of undress, etc.), require consent for photos to protect them (journal.burningman.org). At minimum, educate guests that they should ask before photographing or filming others – this sets a tone of mutual respect.
- Visible Safety Signals: Use signage, code words (like “Angela”), and identifiable safety teams to signal that your festival takes boundaries seriously (www.shambalafestival.org) (www.shambalafestival.org). These signals build trust with guests and deter those who might otherwise misbehave.
- Support and Follow-Through: If an incident occurs, have a plan to support the victim and take action. This could mean having on-site counselors or a trained safety lead, as well as clear protocols to involve law enforcement if necessary. Publicly state that you will eject or ban offenders – and do it. Consistent follow-through shows your zero-tolerance policy is not just talk.
- Learn and Adapt: Encourage feedback from your community on safety issues and be willing to adapt. Successful festivals continually refine their approaches – adding things like calm spaces for mental health, improving lighting in dark areas, or increasing diversity in staff – based on what they learn each year (www.shambalafestival.org) (www.bigissue.com). Consent culture is an ongoing effort, but it pays off in a festival environment that is inclusive, enjoyable, and safe for all.
25th August 2025