Introduction
Ensuring safety at music festivals is non-negotiable, especially in high-energy scenes like drum ‘n’ bass, dubstep, and bass music events. However, heavy-handed security measures can sometimes cross the line, leaving attendees feeling humiliated or unwelcome. The challenge for festival producers is clear: protect everyone’s well-being without killing the vibe or alienating the very fans who make the event possible. From small boutique bass gatherings to mega-festivals like Let It Roll or Creamfields that draw crowds from around the world, a thoughtful approach to entry searches can uphold safety and hospitality. Below, we share hard-earned wisdom on striking that balance – keeping festivals secure without subjecting guests to demeaning experiences.
Provide Amnesty Bins and Clear Signage at Entrances
One effective way to enhance safety without confrontation is by setting up amnesty bins at all entry points. These clearly marked bins give festival-goers a last chance to dispose of prohibited items (from drugs to weapons) with no questions asked. By placing amnesty bins before security checkpoints, events encourage attendees to voluntarily surrender contraband, reducing the need for punitive encounters.
Clear, prominent signage should accompany these bins, notifying people of exactly what is forbidden and reminding them that searches lie ahead. For example, large signs can list banned items (illegal substances, outside alcohol, weapons, glass, etc.) and explain that anyone found with such items beyond this point faces consequences. This transparent approach sets expectations and offers a pressure-free opt-out. Attendees who see police or security presence up ahead are less likely to panic or try to hide something dangerous if they have a safe, anonymous way to discard them before entry.
Real-world festivals have embraced this strategy. At the Creamfields dance festival in the UK (70,000+ attendees), authorities explicitly urged fans to use the amnesty bins at the gate, warning that anyone who did not and was found carrying drugs or weapons would be “dealt with” by police. Amnesty bins have been used at Creamfields in previous years and at other major UK events like Bestival and V Festival, sending a clear message that it’s safety first – with an opportunity for personal responsibility (news.sky.com). In New South Wales, Australia, state officials rolled out amnesty bins at all music festivals after a spate of drug-related deaths, aiming to prevent tragedies caused when attendees panic-swallow their stash upon seeing sniffer dogs (themusicnetwork.com). That harm-reduction move has been praised for saving lives by eliminating the fear of immediate arrest at the gates.
For festival organizers, the takeaway is simple: design your entry flow to include an amnesty zone. Make it obvious (with bright bins and multilingual signs if your crowd is international) and place it far enough ahead of bag-check tables or metal detectors that people can use it discreetly. Someone who might otherwise attempt to sneak contraband in – or binge it dangerously – now has a dignified way out. You might even consider a slogan on the signage that aligns with your festival’s tone (e.g., “No judgment – drop it here and enjoy the show”). Done right, amnesty bins can drastically cut down on confrontations and contraband inside, all while showing attendees that the festival prioritizes safety over punishment.
Train Security Staff for Consistency and Respect
The professionalism and attitude of your security staff can make or break the entry experience. Every festival producer should invest in comprehensive training so that security personnel conduct searches consistently, lawfully, and with utmost respect. In practice, this means establishing standard protocols and ensuring every guard follows them – from how they word a request to search a bag, to how thoroughly they pat someone down, to how they react if something is found. Consistency prevents a lot of problems; attendees will feel everyone is being treated equally rather than being singled out arbitrarily. It also protects the festival from complaints that one guard went too far while another let things slide.
Crucially, respect must be at the core of all security interactions. Searches should never be a power trip. Train your staff to be firm but friendly: for instance, they can greet guests with a smile and a “Hello, we need to do a quick bag check for everyone’s safety, thanks for your cooperation” rather than barking orders. Emphasize the basics of courteous behavior, like not making snide comments about personal items or appearances and keeping any discoveries confidential. If a more detailed search is needed, it should be done out of public view and by a staff member of the same gender whenever possible – a practice that helps attendees feel less violated and is often required by industry guidelines. Ensure you have sufficient female security staff on hand, a detail some festivals have overlooked to their detriment.
Many large festivals partner with professional security firms whose staff are already well-trained in appropriate search procedures. In the UK, for instance, licensed festival security teams abide by a British Security Industry Association (BSIA) code of practice that covers respectful personal searches and emphasizes obtaining implied consent (through ticket terms and clear signage). But even if you hire the best, it’s wise to hold a pre-event briefing to communicate the specific tone of your festival. Whether your event is an underground dubstep rave or a family-friendly bass music gathering, security should understand the vibe you want: are they to be extra vigilant for weapons? extra lenient on minor infractions? The team should act as an extension of your event’s ethos, not just enforcers.
Getting this right means avoiding horror stories that can permanently tarnish your festival’s reputation. Around the world, we’ve seen what happens when searches cross the line. In Australia, a heavy-handed approach by police at music festivals in recent years has led to public outrage – and now a major class-action lawsuit against the authorities. Attendees have recounted being subjected to invasive searches based on flimsy pretexts (like sniffer dogs that often get it wrong (archive.junkee.com)) and being treated like criminals despite no illicit items being found.
One 16-year-old girl even testified, “I could not stop crying; I was completely humiliated,” after being strip-searched at a festival (www.theguardian.com). Her ordeal was later described in court as a “highly invasive and humiliating” violation with no lawful justification – and indeed no drugs were found (www.iqmagazine.com). Incidents like these underscore how crucial it is to train staff properly and set humane policies.
The lesson is clear: respectful security is not optional. Not only is it the right thing to do, it also keeps attendees on your side. Festival fans talk to each other; they will praise events where security was chill and professional, and they will absolutely drag events on social media if they feel mistreated. By training your staff to treat every person with dignity – and to enforce rules calmly and fairly – you create an atmosphere of mutual respect. This, in turn, can even make attendees more cooperative with security needs. A little politeness goes a long way in ensuring safety and a positive experience go hand in hand.
Separate Confiscation and Issues from the Main Entry Line
Nothing kills the good vibes at the gate faster than a huge backup caused by one complicated incident. If security discovers a prohibited or suspicious item on a person, handling it within the main queue can lead to embarrassment for that attendee and frustration for all those stuck waiting behind. The smart solution is to design your entry setup so that any time there’s a problem – whether it’s an attendee who forgot they had a penknife in their backpack, someone refusing a search, or a bag requiring a meticulous check – you can smoothly pull them aside to a separate area for resolution.
By separating confiscation and resolution from the main queues, you accomplish two things: you spare the person involved from being at the center of an audience (reducing their humiliation and stress), and you allow the line to keep moving for everyone else. Many large-scale events and arenas follow this practice, much like airports do – think of how TSA agents will guide a passenger to a secondary screening station if their bag needs extra inspection. Festivals can emulate this by having a small cordoned-off area or a tent next to each checkpoint staffed with a few senior security members or customer service personnel.
Here’s how it might work in practice: If a bag search turns up something minor (say, a prohibited outside beverage or a pair of sharp scissors), the staffer can calmly ask the guest to step over to the side area. There, another team member handles the next steps – whether that’s confiscating and tagging the item, offering a choice to return it to a car/hotel if feasible, or explaining why it can’t enter. This keeps the primary lane free to continue checking the next people. If the issue is more serious (for example, suspected illegal drugs or a weapon), the person can be escorted to a private security office or held at the side until law enforcement takes over, out of sight of the incoming crowd. Importantly, other attendees aren’t gawking at them, and the individual isn’t feeling like they’re on a public stage. Privacy and tact go a long way toward reducing the shame or anger someone might feel in that moment.
Big festivals have reported smoother entrances using this approach. Glastonbury Festival in the UK, for instance, separates any confiscation issues so effectively that the main gates rarely stall – their entry operations team noted that dealing with contraband or uncooperative guests “offline” prevented massive queue buildups in recent years. At EDM events like EDC Las Vegas, where entry lines snake with thousands of ravers, organizers set up customer service tents right after security; if someone’s ticket or ID is an issue, or they need to check an item, they’re redirected away from the scanners to sort it out, keeping flow intact. The same principle can apply to bag searches: any exception case moves aside while the flux of arrivals continues unabated.
For festival producers, it’s worth allocating a few extra staff and a bit of space for this purpose. Train the team in that side area to be solution-oriented and patient – they may need to explain to a clueless fan why their $100 chef’s knife souvenir can’t be brought in (yes, it happens!), or calmly talk down a patron who’s upset about surrendering something. By handling these matters one-on-one, you not only spare others the wait, but you also defuse the individual’s frustration more effectively. They’re less likely to feel defensive or humiliated if they’re not being watched by a crowd during the process. This approach shows that your festival values efficiency and empathy in equal measure.
Embrace Harm Reduction and Community Engagement
Safety without humiliation isn’t just about how you search for contraband – it’s also about creating an environment where attendees feel looked after. Harm reduction initiatives can play a huge role in this, complementing security measures with education and support. Forward-thinking festival organizers often collaborate with community groups or health organizations to ensure that festival-goers have resources to stay safe, reducing the need for aggressive enforcement.
A sterling example comes from the world of bass music festivals itself: Shambhala Music Festival in Canada. Long before harm reduction became a buzzword, Shambhala’s producers teamed up with a local non-profit (ANKORS – AIDS Network Kootenay Outreach and Support Society) to provide on-site drug education and drug checking services for attendees. Starting in 2004, this partnership allowed festival-goers to get their substances tested for dangerous additives and receive counseling on safe usage, all without fear of being ejected or arrested (infotel.ca). By taking this compassionate, realistic approach, Shambhala built a reputation as a festival that genuinely cares for its community. Attendees are less likely to hide risky behavior or feel at odds with security because the festival has essentially said “We’re here to help you make safe choices,” not just “We’re here to catch you.” This kind of trust can dramatically reduce adversarial encounters. Indeed, other festivals have since followed suit – from Boomtown Fair in the UK inviting The Loop volunteers to run drug-testing, to events in the US working with groups like DanceSafe to hand out free water and information. These programs can coexist with searches: you can still ban certain items and enforce rules, but also give people tools and chances to look after themselves.
Community engagement goes beyond drug issues as well. It includes working with local authorities and residents in a transparent way. For example, some festivals hold pre-event community meetings or forums to explain security plans and get feedback – this can yield great ideas, like specific signage improvements or better positioning of entry gates to avoid disturbing neighbors. When the local community and attendees feel heard and involved, they’re more likely to cooperate and less likely to resent your security measures. In one instance, a festival in Indonesia found that by involving local village leaders in their planning (including how searches at the gate would be conducted), they not only got buy-in, but those leaders helped communicate the festival policies to attendees from the area, smoothing over cultural differences about what might be considered offensive in a search. The result was a safer event with zero complaints about the entry process that year.
The key is to view safety as a shared goal between the festival and its fans (and host community). By providing amnesty bins, partnering with harm reduction services, or simply having a well-marked first aid and “safe space” area, you demonstrate that you’re not looking to humiliate or punish your guests – you’re looking to protect them, even from their own mistakes. This philosophy can transform the whole atmosphere around security at your festival. People are more likely to respect the rules when they see that those rules exist for everyone’s benefit rather than as an intimidation tactic. In short, engaging with the community and embracing harm reduction measures turn security “search and seizure” into search and support.
Communicate Your Policies Clearly and Early
One of the simplest ways to avoid confrontation at the gates is to make sure attendees know the rules in advance. Surprises about what’s allowed or banned often lead to arguments and unpleasant scenes during bag checks. By publishing your policies plainly online and in tickets, emails, and signage, you set the stage for a smoother, more respectful entry for all.
Start with your festival website and ticketing pages. Have a dedicated section for “Allowed & Prohibited Items” as well as “Entry Conditions”. List everything in plain language – if you don’t want professional cameras, say “No cameras with detachable lenses”; if outside food is okay only for dietary needs, spell that out. Don’t hide these details in fine print. Many successful festivals put out “Know Before You Go” guides each year. For instance, major events like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival email ticket-holders a checklist of dos and don’ts before they arrive, and post on social media things like permissible bag sizes or reminders that “All attendees will be searched upon entry.” When fans see these messages repeatedly, they’re mentally prepared for the checkpoint, and they’re less likely to unintentionally bring something that gets taken away.
Transparency is especially important if you implement new safety measures. If, for example, your festival plans to add drug-sniffing dogs at the gate or start using metal detectors, announce these changes well ahead of time. This deters anyone thinking of sneaking in contraband and lets regular attendees adjust their expectations. By the time gates open, people will know to expect those measures – so it won’t be a last-minute shock or ambush.
Whatever your policies are (be they strict or lenient), publish them widely: on your website FAQ, via email blasts, on official social channels, and on signage at the event entrance. Even something as simple as posting “All persons and bags will be searched. By entering, you consent to this condition” on a big banner at the gate (and on the ticket itself in the terms) can both cover you legally and remind people that the security check is standard procedure (showbams.com).
Clarity online should be mirrored on-site. We mentioned clear signage at amnesty bins, but also consider large boards or LED screens at the queue entrance listing key prohibited items. When festival-goers see a big sign that says “No aerosols, No glass, No outside alcohol, No weapons, No fireworks – All bags will be searched”, there’s little room to claim ignorance. It also subconsciously encourages them to self-police while waiting in line (“Oh shoot, I forgot I have a bottle opener with a knife on my keychain – better hand it over now”). An informed attendee is generally a compliant one, and compliance in turn means security can do their job without having to play bad cop or argue with patrons.
Moreover, plainly stated policies help create a sense of fairness. If everyone knows the rules, then everyone knows they’re being enforced equally. It’s frustrating for guests to see inconsistent enforcement, but if your policy says clear as day “No liquids over 100ml” and the trash bins at the entry are filled with discarded water bottles, people understand that rule applied to all. They may not love losing their pricey sunscreen or perfume at the gate, but if you warned them in advance and you’re enforcing it across the board, you’ll field fewer complaints. A pro tip here: if you do have to confiscate common personal items (like sunscreen, umbrellas, etc. that might be banned for some reason), consider offering a tag-and-reclaim system or a nearby locker rental so attendees don’t feel like they’ve permanently lost property. Clearly communicate how that works too (“You can store disallowed items at our Info Tent for pickup when you leave”). Not every festival can manage this, but it’s worth thinking about for customer goodwill, especially at multi-day events.
In summary, don’t keep your safety and security policies a mystery. Shout them from the rooftops (or rather, the internet and the on-site PA system). When festival-goers feel informed, they feel respected – it’s as if you’ve made them a partner in the effort to keep the event safe. That goes a long way toward removing any adversarial tension between security staff and attendees.
Learn from Feedback and Continuously Refine
No matter how much planning you do, there’s always room to improve your festival’s security approach. The best producers treat each event as a learning experience and actively seek feedback to refine their processes for next time. This iterative mindset is key to balancing safety and attendee comfort over the long term.
Start by debriefing with your team after each festival day (or at least after the festival is over). Gather your security supervisors, frontline staff, and even some volunteers, and ask: What worked well at the entrances? What problems did we encounter? You might learn that a particular checkpoint consistently had long delays, or that security kept seizing a certain banned item that many people didn’t realize was forbidden. These discussions can yield golden nuggets of insight. Perhaps you discover that your “no liquids” policy wasn’t communicated clearly because hundreds of people showed up with water bottles – that’s a sign to improve pre-event comms or allow free water inside to compensate. Or maybe the team noticed that attendees were confused about where to go after being searched, indicating you need better signage or staff directing traffic flow.
Attendee feedback is just as important. Consider sending out a post-event survey that includes questions about the entry experience and security. How did the attendees feel about the screenings? Did they feel safe? Did any interaction with security make them uncomfortable? Be prepared – not all responses will be glowing. Some might recount unpleasant incidents. But this is invaluable information. If multiple people mention a particular guard being rude, you can address that with the security contractor. If numerous attendees say the lines were too slow, you might investigate technological solutions (like faster ticket scanning or additional entry lanes). For example, Lost Lands – a bass-heavy festival in the US – faced complaints in its early years about long wait times at security; in response, the organizers added more entry points and a separate VIP fast-track in subsequent years, cutting average wait times significantly (and earning back fan goodwill). It’s all about identifying pain points and showing you’re willing to fix them.
Social media can be another feedback channel. Keep an eye on your festival’s Reddit community, Twitter mentions, and Facebook groups. You’ll often see candid discussions of how the entry process went. Of course, online commentary can skew negative, but look for recurring themes. Did people feel the searches were too invasive? Did someone’s viral post about having to toss their expensive holographic rave totem at the gate blow up overnight? These are signals to respond to. Sometimes a quick public note like, “We hear you about the security line issues on Day 1 – we opened two extra gates today to speed things up” can turn sentiment around. And for the next edition of the festival, those online critiques can serve as a checklist of what to improve.
Importantly, stay updated on industry best practices and be willing to adapt. The festival scene evolves, as do security threats and solutions. A decade ago, few festivals used metal detectors; now plenty do for weapon screening. In recent years, some events introduced fast-track lanes for guests without bags (to reward those who pack light and ease overall congestion). Other innovations include the use of new tech like AI-powered cameras or advanced scanners – if they help make searches less intrusive or faster, consider investing. Also, keep an eye on what peer festivals are doing: if a drum & bass festival overseas successfully implemented a new patron-friendly search policy (like express lanes or on-site drug testing), examine if it could work for you.
Never be too proud to change course. Even hugely successful festivals like Glastonbury and Tomorrowland have tweaked their entry protocols over time when faced with challenges (be it extreme weather causing new safety concerns or shifting attendee demographics requiring a different touch). The mark of a great festival organizer is constant improvement. By treating feedback as a gift rather than a nuisance, you show your community that you’re committed to their well-being and experience. Fans will appreciate a festival that clearly learns and gets better each year.
Finally, share these lessons with your whole team. Make security refinements a part of your annual planning and training. And when you do implement changes based on feedback, let people know! Announce it in your pre-event info: “This year, we’ve added more entry lanes and clearer signage based on your feedback.” Attendees will recognize that their voices were heard, reinforcing a positive cycle of trust and engagement.
Key Takeaways
- Safety and Dignity Can Coexist: Effective festival security ensures everyone is safe without treating attendees like criminals. Design entry procedures with empathy as well as rigor.
- Use Amnesty Bins and Clear Signage: Give festival-goers a last chance to discard prohibited items anonymously. Post bold signs about banned items and upcoming searches to set expectations and reduce smuggling or panic.
- Train for Respect and Consistency: Hire and train security staff to follow standard, lawful search protocols and to treat every guest with respect. A polite, consistent approach prevents humiliation and encourages cooperation.
- Keep Lines Moving (Separate Issues): If a problem arises at the gate, handle it on the side. Don’t hold up the main queue or create a public spectacle. Separating out confiscations or detailed searches preserves privacy and keeps the crowd flowing.
- Embrace Harm Reduction: Consider partnering with health or community organizations to provide services like drug checking, education, or other support. This proactive stance boosts safety from another angle and shows attendees you care about their well-being.
- Communicate Rules Clearly: Make sure your website, tickets, and on-site signage plainly explain what’s allowed, what’s banned, and that security searches will occur. Informed attendees are more likely to comply calmly.
- Learn and Adapt: After each event, gather feedback from staff, attendees, and stakeholders. Use those insights to refine your security plan for next time – whether that means more training, more lanes, or policy tweaks. Continual improvement is the hallmark of a great festival organizer.
By following these guidelines, festival producers can foster an environment where everyone feels safe, not scared. The goal is a seamless entry process that upholds security while treating each fan with dignity. Achieve that balance, and you’ll not only prevent incidents – you’ll earn the trust and loyalty of your audience for years to come.
17th September 2025