Crowd barrier covers are one of the easiest ways to improve how your event looks and how your brand is seen. They turn unsightly pedestrian barriers into professional, branded displays that can promote sponsors, guide crowds, or communicate key messages.
This guide explains the best crowd barrier cover options for events, how they differ, and how to choose the right style based on your setup, budget, and branding goals.
Jump to:
- What are crowd barrier covers?
- Why use barrier covers at events?
- Measure your barriers before choosing a cover
- Crowd barrier cover options
- Barrier cover recommendations by event type
- Questions to ask yourself before choosing
- Event barrier cover FAQs
- Ready to choose your barrier covers?
What are crowd barrier covers?
Crowd barrier covers (sometimes called barrier jackets) are printed covers designed to fit over standard metal crowd control barriers.
They’re commonly used at:
- Festivals and live events
- Sports stadiums and arenas
- Concerts and tours
- Exhibitions and conferences
As well as improving appearance, crowd barrier covers help create clear messaging, consistent branding, and a more organised event.
Crowd barrier covers are a simple way of branding your event whilst hiding unsightly barriers
Why use barrier covers at events?
Event organisers use crowd barrier covers to:
- Hide unsightly metal barriers
- Promote sponsors or partners
- Display event branding or messaging
- Manage crowd control and wayfinding
- Create a cleaner, more professional look
They’re reusable, easy to install, and far more effective than leaving barriers uncovered.
Measure your barriers before choosing a cover
Before choosing a barrier cover style, it’s important to confirm your barrier size.
Most UK crowd control barriers measure 2.3m wide, but 2.5m barriers and police-style Met barriers are also common.
Our standard covers are made to fit 2.3m barriers.
To measure correctly:
- Measure from the hook to the eye of the barrier
- This distance should be 2.3 metres
If your barrier sizes vary, poncho covers are the most flexible option, or we can produce a custom solution.
Here’s a short video showing how to measure your barriers correctly.
Crowd barrier cover options
We offer five main barrier cover styles. Each works well for events, with the best choice depending on the level of finish you want and your budget.
All options are B1 fire rated and suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
For exposed or windy sites, polyester airmesh is always recommended.
1. Premium crowd barrier covers
Premium covers offer the most professional finish.
- Fully tailored to the shape of the barrier
- Brand both sides
- Completely hides the barrier frame
- Made from lightweight, air-permeable polyester airmesh
- Easy to install and reuse
Best for: festivals, stadium branding, televised events, premium brand activations.
2. Standard crowd barrier covers
A more affordable double-sided option with a tailored look.
- Made from durable PVC mesh
- Angled corners to follow the barrier shape
- Brand both sides
- Slightly heavier than airmesh
Best for: budget-conscious events where a neat, fitted look is still important.
3. Poncho crowd barrier covers
The most cost-effective way to brand both sides of your barrier.
- Drapes over the top of the barrier
- Available in PVC mesh or polyester airmesh
- Works well for mixed or non-standard barrier sizes
- Quick to install
Best for: fast setups, touring events, and varied barrier types.
4. Solo crowd barrier covers
A single-sided branding option.
- Printed on one side only
- PVC mesh or polyester airmesh
- Lower cost than double-sided covers
Best for: queue systems, directional signage, or barriers only seen from one side.
5. MET (police) barrier covers
Designed specifically for 1.5m police-style barriers.
- Fully enclosed, double-sided fit
- Available in polyester airmesh or display polyester
- Airmesh is best for outdoor use
- Display polyester offers higher-impact print indoors
Best for: stadiums, city-centre events, and high-security zones.
Barrier cover recommendations by event type
Not sure where to start? Here’s what usually works best:
- Festivals & outdoor events: Premium or poncho covers in polyester airmesh
- Sports stadiums & arenas: Premium covers or Met barrier covers
- Indoor exhibitions & conferences: Premium or standard covers
- Budget events: Solo covers (single-sided) or poncho covers (double-sided)
Consider the questions below to help decide the best barrier covers for your events
Questions to ask yourself before choosing
1. Do you need to brand both sides of the barrier?
- Yes: Premium, Standard or Poncho covers
- No: Solo covers
2. Do you want to completely hide the barrier frame?
- Yes: Premium or Standard covers
- Not essential: Poncho or Solo covers
3. Do you want something quick and easy to install?
- Premium covers are lightweight and fit like a sock
- Ponchos are also quick for large runs of barriers
Here’s a short video showing how simple premium barrier cover installation is.
4. Do you want something reusable?
- Polyester airmesh is best option (available in premium, poncho or solos)
- It’s lighter, creases less, and is machine washable
5. What’s your budget?
- Tight budget: Solo (single-sided) or Poncho (double-sided)
- Mid-range: Standard
- Best overall: Premium (if budget allows)
Event barrier cover FAQs
Can barrier covers be reused for multiple events?
Yes. All our barrier covers are designed for repeated use. Polyester airmesh is especially reusable as it’s lightweight, crease-resistant, and machine washable.
Do I need double-sided barrier covers for my event?
Only if both sides of the barrier will be visible. If barriers are backed against walls or fencing, a single-sided (Solo) cover is often sufficient and more cost-effective.
Are crowd barrier covers weatherproof?
Barrier covers are water-resistant and suitable for outdoor use. For windy or exposed locations, airmesh styles are recommended to reduce wind load.
Ready to choose your barrier covers?
Whether you’re organising a festival, concert, sporting event or exhibition, we’ll help you choose crowd barrier covers that look great and work on event day.