Every successful event needs more than a great guest list and good weather; it needs a safe, well-organised environment where attendees can relax and enjoy the experience. At BE Event Hire, we’ve worked with organisers across the UK to provide practical, stylish and effective crowd control solutions. Whether it’s a concert, street festival, trade show or corporate launch, we’re here to help you manage movement, protect your space and comply with safety regulations.
We walk you through what crowd control means, why it matters, and how to plan for it, with the equipment and expertise you can rely on.
Crowd Control in Event Success
Crowd control is about ensuring safety and order, but it’s also about creating a comfortable experience. When people know where to go and feel that the space is organised, they’re more relaxed and more likely to enjoy the event.
Crowd control also protects key areas, entrances, exits, stages, VIP zones, and food areas while ensuring that emergency access points remain clear and functional throughout.
Planning Ahead
Planning for crowd control starts long before guests arrive. Begin by assessing the event space and its expected capacity. Consider how people will move through the venue and identify areas that may become congested.
Pay close attention to:
- Entry and exit points
- Areas where queues may form
- Emergency access routes for vehicles or first aid
Mapping these out will help you decide where barriers, signage and stewards are needed most.
Crowd Control Measures
A combination of equipment, layout and trained staff is the best way to manage large groups effectively. Some of the most reliable methods include:
- Limiting entry points to control flow and prevent overcrowding
- Using clear signage to direct people to toilets, exits, or specific areas
- Deploying stewards or volunteers to guide attendees and assist in emergencies
Communication between staff is also vital. Radios or walkie-talkies help maintain order and respond quickly to changing conditions.
Staffing and Safety Support
Having enough well-briefed staff on the ground is essential. Each member of your team should know their role, the event layout, and who to contact if something changes.
Depending on the event type, you may also need:
- Professional security teams to handle entry points and monitor activity
- Medical staff or first aid responders
- A clear chain of command for decision-making during the event
Controlling Alcohol and Contraband
Events with alcohol require careful management. Consider using barriers to define licensed areas and having staff monitor guest behaviour. Training staff who can screen for contraband or unsafe items should manage entry points.
This is especially important for high-energy events or large crowds in close quarters.
Emergency Planning and Safe Evacuation Routes
Even with the best planning, things can change. That’s why every event needs a well-thought-out emergency response plan. This should include:
- Clearly marked evacuation routes
- Barriers placed to guide people safely in the event of an incident
- Access routes kept clear for ambulance and emergency services.
At BE Event Hire, we’re happy to advise on equipment placement to support your emergency planning.
Crowd Control Equipment
The type of barrier or control solution you choose should match the scale and style of your event. Our crowd control hire range includes:
- Steel crowd control barriers with interlocking ends – ideal for outdoor events and festivals
- Pedestrian barriers – simple, effective and versatile
- Post and rope sets – perfect for VIP sections, entrances or red carpet areas
- Retractable belt barriers – great for indoor queues or compact areas
- Traffic cones and signage – to assist with vehicle flow or temporary zones
Our experienced team cleans, maintains and delivers every product, ready to deploy at your venue.
Matching Barriers to the Event Type
Each event has its own personality; your barriers should support it, not clash with it. For example:
- Use mojo or interlocking barriers for front-of-stage crowd control at concerts
- Choose red rope and chrome posts to define VIP or press zones at formal events
- Try café barriers to create defined but stylish queues at food or drink stalls.
We’re always happy to suggest what will work best for your event layout, crowd type and aesthetic.
Event Safety Is a Legal Obligation
As an event organiser, you’re legally responsible for the safety of your attendees and staff. UK laws such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 set clear expectations around risk assessment, safe planning and public protection.
Resources like the Purple Guide offer best-practice advice tailored to the live events industry. By working with a reputable hire partner like BE, you can feel confident you’re meeting those expectations.
Working with BE Event Hire
At BE Event Hire, we’ve supported thousands of events with reliable event furniture and crowd control hire. Whether you need ten barriers for a garden party or hundreds for a city-centre celebration, we have the stock and the experience to deliver.
We offer:
- Nationwide delivery
- Fast, flexible quotes
- Helpful, experienced staff who understand events
- From one-off hires to multi-day festivals, we can support your plans at every stage.
Crowd control hire doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right plan, clear routes, and professional barriers, you can create a secure environment where people can relax and enjoy themselves.
Contact BE Event Hire today for a personalised quote or guidance on which crowd control solutions are best suited for your next event.