Summary of Key Updates to the Purple Guide for Music Festival Organisers.

Considered the most complete guide to running events the Purple Guide is an important resource for music festival organisers and is regularly updated. It’s been several years since we covered the relevant content, what are the key updates incorporated into the Purple Guide since 2023 that organisers need to be aware of.

Although often referred to as the Purple Guide its full title is the ‘Event Safety Guide’ and is published by the Events Industry Forum which is made up of trade associations, enforcement and other representative organisations involved in outdoor events in the UK. The most recent updates have centred around safety, sustainability and compliance to reflect evolving industry standards and legal requirements. 

Sustainability. 
Environmental sustainability has moved up the agenda for many organisations in recent years and music festivals still have a reputation for excessive waste and carbon footprints. The Purple Guide has incorporated a new chapter (38) specifically for this subject and provides guidance on eco-friendly practices. Specific areas covered are the development of sustainability strategies, reducing energy consumption and seeking renewable sources. In addition, there is a focus on improving the carbon emissions from travel and transport and reducing waste from food and beverage vendors. 

Health and Safety. 
The coverage of health and safety has been updated in line with changes and amendments to legislation with an emphasis on organisers to ensure the well-being of staff, volunteers, contractors, festival-goers and vendors for example. The onus is on festival organisers to appraise themselves on the most recent iteration of the Health and Safety at Work Act which they must comply with. 

Drones. 
There is comprehensive coverage in the guide for air display organisers (Chapter 43) but chapter 27 covers guidance for unmanned drones which may relate to music festivals. Whilst many organisers do not allow festival-goers to operate drones on a site they may commission a contractor to use drones for filming or nighttime displays. The guide refers to the Air Navigation Order (ANO) 2016 and subsequent amendments, which governs drone operations in the UK. Specific compliance is required including the drone operator holding a valid OA (Operational Authorisation) from the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) which includes pilot qualifications plus appropriate registrations with the CAA and mandatory insurance coverage. There are additional requirements including risk assessments, minimum operating distances and coordination with the police for example. 

Planning. 
Most festival organisers do produce comprehensive risk assessments for every aspect of their proposed events and the guide has now enhanced their guidance on this subject. The changes include introducing effective management structures, stakeholder communications and systematic evaluations to mitigate potential hazards. In addition, the section of the guide covering festival site design has included greater emphasis on site layouts that prioritise safety and accessibility for everyone on site. This also includes improving segregation between pedestrians and vehicles along with adequate access and egress for emergencies with improved allowances for those with disabilities. 

Waste Management and Sanitation. 
A key part of the guide is the chapter (16) on waste management which details how organisers should manage their on-site waste. This covers how waste should be appropriately segregated for correct disposal minimising landfill. Using a qualified experienced waste management contractor is recommended to handle waste in line with environmental protection standards. Chapter 20 covers guidance on sanitation and welfare facilities and has increased the emphasis on the provision of adequate facilities. There is guidance on the number and type of facilities required depending on the event size and number of attendees. 

For comprehensive access to all chapters and the latest updates, event organisers can subscribe to the Purple Guide at thepurpleguide.co.uk. The subscription provides detailed guidance essential for planning and executing safe and compliant events. 

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