Festival insurance

Key points

• Festival insurance is designed to protect event organisers from financial losses due to unforeseen circumstances like bad weather, equipment damage, or attendee injuries

• Cover includes event cancellation, public liability insurance for injuries or property damage, and property damage for venue or equipment

• Exclusions in festival insurance typically involve weather-related cancellations not classified as extreme, non-appearance of performers for minor reasons, and financial failure of suppliers

What is festival insurance?

Festival insurance is a specialised type of cover designed to protect event organisers against potential financial losses associated with hosting a festival. It protects against unforeseen circumstances such as extreme weather, equipment damage, or injuries to attendees.

Why do I need festivals insurance if I'm organising an event?

If you're organising a festival or any public event, festival insurance is essential to protect yourself legally and financially. Regardless of the size of your event, mishaps happen, and festival covers you in all types of situations, including:

• If a festival cover injures themselves by tripping over equipment or an uneven surface

• A performer cancels close to the event

• Someone spills alcohol or gets food all over expensive tech equipment

• Extreme weather is predicted during your event

It's a good idea to take out this type of event cover as soon as you plan your event to protect you against any expensive claims or cancellations.

What kind of festivals need insurance?

Any types of festival need insurance, including:

• Music festivals

• Comedy festivals

• Film festivals

• Literary festivals

• Cultural events

• Antique festivals

• Car festivals

• Arts and crafts

• Beer festivals

• Food and drink events

If your festival involves the process of renting a venue or land, hiring employees, marketing the event and selling tickets to attend, chances are you'll benefit from festival insurance cover.

What types of festival insurance do I need as an events organiser?

There are several types of business insurance to consider if you're hosting a festival, including:

Am I legally required to have festival insurance?

While event insurance isn't a legal requirement in the UK, it's always recommended when hosting a festival.

If you're hiring staff or volunteers, you're legally required to have employers' liability insurance. Without it, you could face daily fines.

Public liability insurance is often a requirement from venues, suppliers, and talent management, and is strongly advised for event organisers to protect against claims for injuries or damages.

What is not covered by festival event insurance?

Here are some typical policy exclusions for festivals:

1. Equipment cover exclusions: Such as inflatables or fireworks

2. Vandalism or malicious acts: Including acts of terrorism and inappropriate behaviour

3. Damage due to wear and tear: On equipment used during the festival

4. Employers' liability for third-party contractors: Such as security and performers and entertainers

How much will UK festival insurance cost?

The cost of festival insurance in the UK depends on various factors. The size of the festival greatly affects the average cost. Smaller events may have lower premiums. Larger festivals, with thousands attending, could face higher charges.

Many other factors influence insurance premiums. These include the event's location, its duration, and the activities involved. High-risk activities, such as fireworks or live performances, can raise the premium.

The organiser's experience and claims history also impact the cost. To lower insurance expenses, organisers can choose package deals. They can also enhance safety measures or use comparison sites to find the best rates.

Will insurance cover festival cancellation costs?

Some insurance providers cover the cost of cancelling a festival, depending on the reason. Insurance typically covers unforeseen events like extreme weather, national emergencies, or key personnel's sudden illness. However, low ticket sales or a change of mind are not usually covered.

For example, if a severe storm leads to a festival's cancellation, most event-specific insurance policies will likely cover this. Conversely, cancellations due to poor planning or budgeting are generally not compensated by insurers.

To ensure maximum cover, review your insurance policy carefully before purchase. Examine the fine print and discuss any uncertainties with your insurer.

Does festival insurance include postponement?

Yes, festival insurance, specifically cancellation insurance, often covers postponement of an event. It can cover expenses like lost revenue, non-refundable deposits, and costs associated with rescheduling.

Can I insure my festival for lack of ticket sales?

No, festival insurance generally does not cover low ticket sales or lack of interest in an event. Most policies focus on protecting against unforeseen circumstances like weather cancellations, venue issues, or non-appearance of key performers, not on lack of attendance.

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