Solo but Not Alone: Making Festivals Safe and Welcoming for Individual Attendees

Walking into a festival alone can be both exhilarating and intimidating. Festivals are inherently communal experiences – singing along in a crowd, sharing high-fives with strangers, and bonding over mutual love of music or art. Indeed, attendees often rank connecting with like-minded fans as one of their top motivations for going to festivals (www.ticketfairy.com). When guests forge bonds on-site, it creates an inclusive atmosphere that makes the experience more meaningful and keeps people coming back with their newly found “festival family.” Some events actively encourage this sense of community – for instance, Bonnaroo’s culture emphasises openness, and one of its unofficial mantras is to leave with as many new friends as possible (www.ticketfairy.com).

Yet more people than ever are choosing to attend festivals solo, whether by necessity or by choice. For event organisers, this trend presents an important opportunity: by making solo attendees feel safe, included, and comfortable, festivals can broaden their audience and strengthen the sense of community on-site.

The Rise of Solo Festival-Goers

Solo attendees are no longer an anomaly in the crowd. In fact, a 2025 industry report on festival audiences found that almost one in three festival-goers now attends events alone (up from just 8% in 2019) (themusic.com.au). These independent spirits are drawn by the freedom to see any act they want without compromise, total flexibility in their schedule, and the chance to meet new friends on their own terms (themusic.com.au). Over 28% of respondents in the same survey said they feel confident going solo because festivals have become safer and more welcoming environments (themusic.com.au). The message is clear – when people trust that your festival will take care of them even if they come alone, they’re more likely to buy a ticket and dive into the experience.

Forward-thinking festival producers around the world are taking note of this shift. Some events have even introduced solo-only campsites or meetup groups to help lone attendees find camaraderie (themusic.com.au). A prime example is the UK’s Download Festival, where an area known as “Camp Loner” is specifically set aside to bring together people who came by themselves (www.bbc.com). What started as one attendee’s improvised solution grew into an officially recognised campsite community – with up to 1,000 solo campers joining in recent years – and the festival now provides space for Camp Loner to thrive (www.bigissue.com). Stories like this underscore how a little support can transform a potentially lonely experience into one where attendees feel “alone, together” as part of a festival family.

Of course, not every solo attendee wants or needs constant socialising – many relish the independence. But every individual attendee should feel they have access to help, safety, and friendly connection if they want it. Below are practical strategies festival organisers can implement to ensure that those attending solo are solo but never truly alone.

Pre-Festival: Building Community and Confidence

A solo attendee’s experience starts long before they arrive at the venue. Organisers can take proactive steps in the lead-up to make solo visitors feel welcome and excited:

• Online Communities for Attendees: Create or support online forums, Facebook groups, subreddit threads, or event app channels dedicated to attendees. Encourage a thread or tag for people looking to connect before the festival. For example, many festivals have official or fan-run Facebook groups where those going alone can chat, plan meetups, or even arrange shared transport. By facilitating these connections (and perhaps having staff or moderators gently guide discussions), you let solo attendees form virtual friendships that can translate into real-life meetings at the event.

• “Coming Solo” Badges or Registration Options: Consider letting attendees indicate during ticket purchase if they’re coming solo. With an opt-in, you could send them a special info email about solo-friendly services (like meetup schedules or dedicated support). Some festivals even provide a different coloured wristband or a badge for solo travellers who wish to identify themselves – not to stigmatise, but to serve as a conversation starter. A simple pin or wristband stating “Happy to chat!” can signal to other like-minded fans (and staff) that this person is open to meeting new people.

• Social Media Campaigns: Leverage your festival’s social media to normalise and celebrate solo attendance. In the weeks before the event, share posts or short interviews featuring people who plan to attend alone and the tips they have. Use inclusive language like “Whether you’re coming with a crew or flying solo, you’ve got a home at [Festival Name].” By publicly acknowledging and welcoming solos, you both reassure those attendees and set an expectation for everyone that solo travellers are a valued part of the community. Some events even use specific hashtags (e.g., #SoloAtFestivalX) to help single attendees find each other online.

Designated Meetup Points and Times

One of the simplest yet most effective services is establishing clear meetup points for people to connect. In your festival map and app, mark a well-known spot as an official “Meetup Point.” It could be a distinctive art installation, a flagpole, or a tent specifically labelled for meeting others. Encourage attendees (not just solos, but anyone open to making new friends) to drop by. This works even better if you set designated meetup times or themes:

• Opening Day Meetup: Host a casual gathering early in the festival for solo travellers and first-timers. For instance, on day one – perhaps an hour before the main acts start – invite anyone who came alone to a low-key social at the meetup point or beer garden. Festival staff or volunteers can be on hand to introduce people and spark conversations (“What act is everyone most excited for?”). A friendly icebreaker session can convert that initial awkwardness into laughter and new friend groups.

• Daily Themed Meetups: If your event spans multiple days or has varied content (music genres, art, gaming, wellness, etc.), schedule short meetup sessions targeting those interests. Example: “Rock & Metal Fans Meetup – 4 PM at the guitar statue,” or “Yoga Lovers Sunrise Session – 8 AM at the Wellness Tent.” These give people something in common right away. Several festivals have added interactive areas (yoga classes, gaming zones, workshops) that naturally bring strangers together and encourage mingling.

• Buddy Benches or Tables: Take inspiration from the schoolyard “buddy bench” concept used to combat loneliness. Place a few clearly marked benches or picnic tables in communal areas where anyone is welcome to sit if they wouldn’t mind company joining them. Attendees looking to socialise can swing by these spots knowing others there are open to chat. For example, in the food court, designate a “community table” where solo diners can eat together instead of alone. It’s a small touch that can make a big difference in someone’s day.

Buddy Systems and Volunteer “Ambassadors”

While you can’t force friendships, you can create structures that nudge people together. A “festival buddy” programme is one approach to consider, and it can be implemented in a few ways:

• Peer Match-Ups: In the lead-up or at the on-site welcome centre, offer an opt-in service to pair up solo attendees or small groups looking for company. Even if it’s just an informal introduction or suggesting they join a group chat, being “buddied up” at the start can help people look out for each other. Some events have experimented with matchmaking via event apps or buddy-finder kiosks, but even a simple notice board can do the trick (“Solo campers looking for camp neighbours – pin your tent number here!”).

• Volunteer Buddies & Ambassadors: Recruit a team of volunteer or staff ambassadors whose specific role is to engage with solo attendees. These could be friendly, experienced festival-goers who greet people at the gate, roam the grounds, and strike up conversations with anyone who appears to be alone (in a respectful, non-intrusive way). They can also be on-call to literally “buddy up” if someone requests company – for example, if a person would like someone to walk with to the parking area at night, or just wants a pal to watch a show with so they don’t feel isolated in a sea of groups. Having an official buddy crew provides a safety net; attendees know there’s always a friendly face available if needed.

• First-Timer Welcome Sessions: Similar to buddy schemes, some festivals run orientation sessions or tours for newcomers (who often attend by themselves). Large conventions and city events sometimes have guided tours for first-timers; music festivals can borrow this idea. A staff member might lead a “newcomers’ welcome walk” around the venue early on, which naturally encourages participants to chat and bond. Not only do they learn about the festival layout and amenities, they also end the tour already knowing a few names and faces.

Clear Communication Channels for Assistance

When someone attends with friends, they have built-in support if something goes wrong – but a solo attendee doesn’t have that safety net. That’s why it’s critical to establish clear, accessible lines of communication for anyone needing help or information:

• 24/7 Info & Help Line: Provide a phone number or text service (prominently displayed on the festival app, website, and on-site signage) that attendees can contact if they feel unsafe, unwell, or have urgent questions. Many events now use an SMS-based system where attendees can discreetly text festival security or medical teams if they’re experiencing harassment or observe an issue. Make sure solo attendees know they won’t be “bothering” anyone by using it – it’s there precisely to assist them.

• Well-Marked Information Points: Staff your info booths or customer service tents with approachable, helpful personnel and advertise their location clearly. A person on their own might be more hesitant to wander around looking for help, so ensure every map and sign points to where they can find an official representative. Equip these info points with things a solo traveller might need – from phone charging stations to lost & found to timetables for the last shuttle bus – so they feel taken care of in all scenarios.

• Festival Apps with Updates & Social Features: If your ticketing or festival app supports it, utilise push notifications or an in-app news feed to broadcast important information (e.g. schedule changes, weather alerts) so nobody misses critical updates. Some advanced festival apps include chat forums or friend-finder features; if available, promote those to solos as a way to reach out and connect. Even without such features, consider setting up an official Discord or WhatsApp group for the event where staff post announcements and attendees can ask questions. Quick communication can be a lifeline for someone wandering alone in a huge venue, making sure they’re never out of the loop.

Training Staff to Support Solo Attendees

Your on-site team is the eyes and ears of the festival. With proper training, they can be instrumental in keeping solo attendees safe and happy:

• Awareness and Empathy: Brief security, volunteers, and customer-facing staff to be mindful of attendees on their own. This doesn’t mean hovering or patronising – it means being ready to assist or simply say hello if someone looks lost or uncomfortable. For example, gate staff might give an extra warm welcome to someone arriving alone and mention the meetup point or key info. Roaming crew (like those handling logistics or area management) should keep an eye out for anyone who seems distressed or in need of help, especially if that person has no friends around to support them.

• Handling Harassment & Vulnerability: Sadly, a lone attendee can sometimes be seen as an easier target by bad actors. Make sure your security team understands this dynamic. Train them in bystander intervention – how to spot a situation where someone might be bothering a solo attendee, and how to discreetly step in to check if everything is okay. Many festivals run safety workshops for staff on recognising harassment and supporting survivors (www.ticketfairy.com). Emphasise a trauma-informed approach: listen without judgment, don’t blame the victim, and know the protocol to involve medical or welfare teams immediately if an incident occurs.

• Extra Care for Those Alone: While respecting privacy, empower staff to provide a bit of extra care when needed. If medical or welfare teams encounter an attendee who is ill or upset, one of the first questions should be “Do you have friends here with you?” If the answer is no, that’s a cue to stay with them longer or escort them safely to the next step, since they don’t have a personal companion to rely on. Similarly, if someone intoxicated or vulnerable is found alone, don’t just eject them or leave them; guide them to a safe area or service. These small actions ensure no one “falls through the cracks” simply because they came solo.

Safety Measures and Inclusive Services

A festival that’s safe and inclusive for solo attendees is ultimately safer for all attendees. Many of the following measures enhance the environment for everyone while particularly benefiting those who are alone:

• “Ask for Angela” and Code Words: Adopt nightclub safety initiatives for your festival. Train all bar staff, security, and volunteers on a simple code phrase (like the “Ask for Angela” initiative used in pubs and clubs) that attendees can use to get help discreetly. Publicise it subtly on signage or in the programme: “Feeling unsafe? Go to any staff member and ask for Angela – we’ll help you, no questions asked.” A person alone might be too intimidated to explicitly say they need help; a code word lowers the barrier to seeking assistance.

• Anti-Spiking & Wellness Stations: Solo festival-goers may worry about who will look out for them if they let loose. Show that your festival has their back. For example, Spain’s Medusa Sunbeach Festival introduced on-site “violet point” tents where attendees could test their drinks for spiking and get support from social workers regarding harassment or assault (www.reuters.com). Providing free water and chill-out areas, or partnering with organisations like Safe Gigs for Women or DanceSafe to station volunteers on-site, sends the message that attendee wellbeing is a priority. When people see these resources, they know organizers are actively protecting everyone – especially those who don’t have a friend with them to lean on.

• Lighting and Safe Paths: Ensure that all common areas, pathways to exits, parking lots, and campsites are well-lit and monitored at night. A person walking solo to their car or tent at 2 AM will feel much safer if the route is bright and there are security or volunteers visibly present along the way. Some festivals even designate “safe walk” teams who can escort attendees upon request (similar to campus safety escort services). Even if not formally requested, a noticeable staff presence during late-night departures provides reassurance that solo attendees are not on their own in the dark.

• Welfare & Chill-Out Zones: Having a calm, safe space on-site is invaluable. A welfare tent or dedicated chill-out zone staffed with counselors or trained volunteers can be a refuge for anyone feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or dealing with an incident. Make sure your team advertises that this exists and that it’s for everyone – not just extreme cases. A solo attendee might drop by simply to have a friendly chat or recharge mentally away from the crowd for a moment. Normalise this in your messaging (“Need a breather or someone to talk to? Our Wellness Tent by the main stage is open to all for support or quiet time.”). Knowing there’s a safe retreat available can greatly reduce anxiety for those coming by themselves.

Fostering an Inclusive Festival Culture

Logistics and programmes are important, but perhaps the most powerful tool is shaping a festival culture where everyone looks out for one another. The goal is a crowd where solo attendees don’t stick out – instead, they’re just fellow festival-goers, readily embraced into the collective vibe. Here’s how organisers can cultivate that:

• Set the Tone Early: From the moment attendees buy tickets to the moment they pass through the gates, communicate the festival’s values of community, respect, and inclusion. Many events include a “Festival Etiquette” or “Our Values” section on their website or programmes – that’s a perfect place to say something like, “We’re all one big family here. If you see someone on their own, give them a high-five or a smile – you might make a new friend.” When festival leadership explicitly voices these values, it encourages positive behaviour from the whole crowd.

• Highlight Stories of Connection: If your festival has run before, collect anecdotes (with permission) from past attendees who came alone and ended up having a wonderful time. Maybe someone met their best friend or even their partner at the festival, or a group adopted a solo traveller and now they reunite every year. Share these stories on social media or in newsletters (“Meet Jane: she attended Festival X solo last year and left with five new friends”). These real-life examples are powerful in persuading nervous would-be solos that they won’t be isolated at your event.

• Interactive Experiences: Incorporate interactive elements that bring strangers together. Some festivals install giant art pieces or games that require teamwork from anyone nearby – for example, a collaborative mural wall, a life-size puzzle, or an oversized seesaw that only works if multiple people jump on. These kinds of attractions act as icebreakers for attendees who don’t know anyone there. Similarly, workshops (dance classes, drumming circles, cooking demos – whatever fits your festival’s theme) put individuals into group settings where they naturally chat and bond over a shared activity.

• Music and Traditions That Unite: Lean into traditions that promote unity. In the EDM world, the PLUR ethos (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect) guides how people treat each other, and it’s common for strangers to trade kandi bracelets as tokens of friendship on the dance floor (www.ticketfairy.com). The result is that even someone who arrived alone can feel an instant sense of belonging when a fellow raver offers a smile and a bracelet handshake. Other genres have their own camaraderie: at metal festivals, it’s not unusual for the crowd to hoist a solo crowd-surfer or form a mosh-pit around a lone headbanger so they can rock out safely. As an organiser, celebrate these moments. Remind performers and MCs to encourage the crowd in inclusive gestures (“Turn to someone near you that you haven’t met and give them a shout!”). A little nudge can break down social barriers and create an atmosphere where taking care of each other is the norm.

Encouraging Solo Participation

If you build it, they will come – especially if you let people know about it. Make solo inclusion part of your festival’s brand. Highlight the measures you’re taking to welcome individual attendees, not only to attract them but to signal to all attendees that your event values community and kindness. Some ideas:

• Dedicated Solo FAQs/Guides: Include a section on your website or ticket FAQ titled “Coming to the festival solo?” and detail all the accommodations and features you’ve set up for solo attendees (meetup points, buddy programme, safety resources, etc.). This goes a long way to reassure someone who’s on the fence about attending alone.

• Promotions for Single Tickets: Consider occasional promotions that target solo attendees. For example, waiving the typical single-person camping surcharge, or offering a small discount or perk for single ticket buyers during an early bird sale. (Interestingly, industry surveys show a notable portion of fans would appreciate discounted “solo” tickets as encouragement (themusic.com.au).) Even if you don’t provide a discount, simply acknowledging solo attendees in your marketing (“No plus-one? No problem!”) makes them feel seen.

• Partner with Communities and Travel Groups: Work with travel tour operators or fan community networks that cater to solo travellers. Around the world, there are companies and online groups organizing trips to major festivals – connecting those folks with your event can boost solo attendance. You could offer a special camping zone for an official “solo traveller” tour group or host a meetup for international attendees who’ve come on their own. Likewise, on your ticketing platform (such as Ticket Fairy), use communication tools to bring solo attendees together – for instance, an email that invites ticket holders to join an official Facebook community or forum before the festival.

Finally, remember that every service you provide for solo attendees often benefits groups as well. Clear safety communications, friendly staff, communal spaces, and a culture of looking out for each other improve the overall attendee experience. By encouraging solo participation and making individuals feel welcome, you’re not only growing your audience but also enriching the festival atmosphere. When someone comes alone and leaves with new friends, great memories, and a feeling of belonging, you’ve succeeded in creating something truly special.

Key Takeaways

• Welcome solos from the start: Build pre-festival communities online and openly invite solo attendees, setting a positive tone that they are valued at your event.
• Meetup points & activities: Provide designated places and times for individual attendees to meet each other – from official meetup spots and camp areas to group activities that encourage socialising.
• Buddy systems: Implement programmes (formal or informal) to pair up or support those coming alone, such as volunteer “festival buddies” or first-timer ambassadors who help solos navigate and feel included.
• Clear communication: Maintain easy channels (help lines, info booths, apps) for attendees to seek assistance or information. Solo attendees should always know where to turn if they need help or just have a question.
• Train and empower staff: Ensure your team is prepared to watch out for solo attendees’ safety, intervene in cases of harassment, and offer friendly help – essentially, treating solos with the same care a good friend would.
• Safety first: Introduce measures like well-lit routes, “ask for Angela” code words, drink-spike testing stations, and visible welfare zones so that those on their own feel protected at all times.
• Foster a community culture: Encourage an ethos of inclusion through messaging and on-site experiences so that attendees naturally look out for one another. A strong community vibe means no one truly feels alone in the crowd.

By thoughtfully implementing these strategies, festival organisers can transform the solo attendee experience from a potential vulnerability into a triumph of community. When someone comes solo but leaves with new friends, great memories, and the feeling of being truly included, you’ve not only ensured their personal safety and enjoyment – you’ve likely gained a loyal fan who will sing the festival’s praises and return year after year. In the end, making festivals safe and welcoming for individual attendees isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s an investment in a richer, more connected festival experience for everyone.