Festive light displays and Christmas switch-on events are a highlight of the winter season, bringing communities together and lighting up high streets, shopping areas and town squares across the UK.
With bigger crowds, electrical equipment and unpredictable winter weather in the mix, safety planning is essential for councils, event organisers, and production teams. A bit of preparation goes a long way in keeping everything running smoothly and ensuring everyone has a great time.
Here are seven key safety considerations to help you plan a safe, successful festive event.
Read on to discover 7 safety tips for your light displays or switch-ons
Jump to:
- Risk Assessment
- Clear Signage
- Crowd Control Measures
- Security Fencing
- Co-ordinate Stewards
- Electrical and Installation Safety
- Make the Event Accessible
1. Carry out a thorough Risk Assessment
Every event should start with a clear, detailed risk assessment. Festive installations have a few added challenges, from elevated lighting rigs to long-term electrical use and winter conditions. The HSE website is a great reference point, but be sure to cover:
- Electrical hazards: think about exposed cables or overloaded circuits, alongside the age of any lighting or decor. It’s not just during the installation where there is risk, but whilst the lights are up for a number of weeks and during the breakdown afterwards too.
- Slip and trip hazards: Trips could be created by equipment during set up and staging, or loose cables on the ground. Whilst the weather or accidental spills can create slip hazards.
Weather risks: this time of year brings unpredictable weather. Be cautious of especially strong winds, heavy rainfall or icy surfaces. Bad weather will impact both workers and the public, so consider both in your planning.
- Crowds: festive events often appeal to families with young children, so don’t forget to factor these groups into any assessments. It can be especially busy around countdown moments or on stage performances.
Document everything for compliance and insurance. Review and update your assessment each year, and make sure staff know what hazards to watch out for.
2. Use Clear and Effective Signage
Good signage is essential for keeping people safe and informed, especially after dark. Illuminated, reflective or high-contrast signs help guide the public and reduce confusion.
Key event signage to consider for your events:
- Entry and exit points
- Emergency evacuation routes or service points
- Viewing areas, ticketing and queueing systems
- Restricted or staff-only zones
- Hazard warnings
Custom branded barrier covers, fence covers and banners are a cost-effective way to guide crowds, hide unsightly barriers, offer sponsor visibility and enhance the event atmosphere.
Barrier covers can be customised with messaging to guide crowds
3. Plan Crowd Control Measures
Festive switch-ons often attract large, enthusiastic crowds. A well-designed crowd management plan helps keep people safe and prevents bottlenecks. Crowd control barriers provide a reliable and highly visible way to manage pedestrian flow and block off any “no entry” areas.
Think about arranging:
- One-way walking systems
- Temporary barriers to guide foot traffic
- Designated areas for families or accessible viewing
- Controlled queueing zones for attractions
4. Use Fencing for Safety and Security
Fencing & barriers play a crucial role in protecting both the public and the event infrastructure. Recommended options include:
- Heras fencing to secure perimeter areas and backstage zones
- Crowd control barriers for pedestrian management and crowd flow
- Printed fence banners & barrier covers for branding, information and of course safety
Fencing also helps safeguard valuable lighting rigs, power supplies, generators, and control gear from public interference or vandalism.
Adding covers to barriers can help with event safety, crowd management and atmosphere
5. Co-ordinate Stewards, Security and Emergency Services
Well-briefed stewards and security teams are key to a safe, smooth event. Clear communication during planning and pre-event briefings makes a huge difference if an incident occurs.
Their responsibilities may include:
- Managing queues and high-footfall areas
- Giving directions and providing information
- Monitoring restricted area
- Responding quickly to incidents
- Supporting emergency services if required
Early and clear communication with emergency services ensures everyone is prepared for the event. This includes:
- Providing site maps and expected attendance numbers
- Establishing emergency access routes
- Setting up first-aid or medical points
- Creating an evacuation plan for high-density areas
6. Ensure Electrical and Installation Safety
Lighting displays often require complex electrical setups, making safety precautions essential. Many councils and event organisers will reuse decorations each year, so checks need to be made to make sure they are still safe to use.
Best practices include:
- All electrical work carried out by qualified professionals
- Using weatherproof, outdoor-rated equipment
- Proper cable management with ramps, matting, or elevated runs
- Regular PAT testing and safety checks
- Securing lighting rigs against wind, noise vibrations and any nearby movements
Protective fencing can create safe buffer zones around control boxes and generators, or block work zones off from the public whilst work is being carried out.
With equipment often reused each year, checking electrical safety is vital
7. Make the Event Accessible and Inclusive
A festive event should be enjoyable for everyone. Small additions to your layout can make a big difference to accessibility and comfort.
- Provide clearly marked accessible viewing areas
- Use ramps or barrier configurations that support wheelchair users
- Ensure signage includes simple, readable formatting
- Quiet zones provide a safe space to rest and reset
- Make sure facilities such as toilets or bars are accessible too
- Remember that not all disabilities are visible
- Brief stewards on how to assist attendees with mobility needs
A Christmas light switch-on should feel magical, and it’s the careful planning behind the scenes that makes that possible. From safety signage and fencing to crowd control and risk management, taking a proactive approach ensures a safer and more enjoyable event for everyone.
Monster-Mesh supplies high-quality event branding to support safe and successful festive celebrations. Get in touch with the team for expert advice or a tailored quote.
