Planning the Year’s Festivals: The Crucial Role of Marshals and Stewards

As we turn the calendar to a new year, festival organisers across the country are gearing up for another vibrant season of music, art, food, and culture. From sprawling music festivals and family-friendly food fairs to niche craft events and community celebrations, every festival is a feat of planning and coordination. One essential element often overlooked is the pivotal role played by marshals and stewards in ensuring the success, safety, and enjoyment of these events.
Whether you’re organising a small local gathering or a massive multi-day festival, understanding the value of professional marshals and stewards is key to creating a smooth-running and memorable experience for all.

The Festival Planning Process
Planning a festival is no small task. It’s a year-round endeavour that involves juggling permits, securing vendors, booking performers, arranging logistics, and marketing the event. But even the most meticulously planned festival can run into chaos without proper on-the-ground management. That’s where marshals and stewards come in.
These individuals serve as the backbone of event operations, acting as the link between organisers, attendees, and emergency services. Their presence is vital at every stage of the festival: from guiding cars into parking spaces and checking tickets at the gate to ensuring crowd control and responding to unforeseen issues.

Who Are Marshals and Stewards?

At festivals, marshals and stewards are often the first point of contact for attendees. While their roles can overlap, there are distinct differences between the two:
• Marshals focus primarily on safety, security, and operational flow. They often oversee areas like parking, road closures, and access points.
• Stewards are more attendee-facing, responsible for assisting visitors, providing directions, and ensuring everyone has a great experience.
Together, these teams form a network of trained professionals who keep the festival running smoothly and safely.

The Role of Marshals in Festivals

1. Traffic and Parking Management
Marshals are the unsung heroes of festival logistics. For large-scale events, managing the influx of vehicles is a challenge. Marshals direct traffic, oversee parking lots, and ensure emergency access routes remain clear.
Effective traffic management not only enhances the attendee experience but also prevents delays and safety hazards.
2. Site Security
Keeping attendees safe is a top priority. Marshals monitor entrances, check credentials, and patrol the festival grounds to ensure no unauthorised access or suspicious activity.
3. Emergency Response
In the event of an emergency, marshals play a critical role. They coordinate evacuations, direct emergency services, and maintain order during unexpected situations. Their calm and professional demeanour can make all the difference when tensions run high.

The Role of Stewards in Festivals
1. Enhancing the Attendee Experience
From greeting visitors at the gate to answering questions about event schedules, stewards ensure attendees feel welcomed and informed. A friendly steward can set the tone for someone’s entire festival experience.
2. Crowd Control
With thousands of people gathered in one space, crowd control is essential. Stewards manage queues, guide people through busy areas, and ensure public safety in densely populated zones like stages or food courts.
3. Assisting Vulnerable Visitors
Stewards are often the first to spot attendees who need assistance, whether it’s a lost child, someone feeling unwell, or a person with accessibility needs. Their proactive approach ensures all visitors feel supported and safe.

Why Marshals and Stewards Are Essential to Festival Success

Safety First
The safety of festival goers is the number-one priority for organisers, and marshals and stewards are instrumental in achieving this. They enforce regulations, prevent overcrowding, and ensure first aid or emergency services can be accessed quickly if needed.
Smooth Operations
Even the best-laid plans can encounter hiccups on the day of an event. Marshals and stewards are trained to adapt and respond to dynamic situations, minimising disruptions and keeping operations on track.
Building Positive Brand Perception
Attendees are more likely to return to a festival—and recommend it to others—if they have a positive experience. Professional marshals and stewards contribute significantly to this by fostering a welcoming and well-organised environment.
Training and Professionalism Matter
Not all marshals and stewards are created equal. To ensure the highest standard of service, it’s crucial to hire trained professionals who understand the nuances of crowd management, conflict resolution, and emergency response.
Many festival organisers partner with staffing agencies that specialise in event management personnel. These agencies vet and train their staff to handle the unique challenges of large-scale events, giving organisers peace of mind.

Planning Ahead: Marshals and Stewards in 2025
With festivals becoming increasingly popular, the demand for professional marshals and stewards is on the rise. Whether you’re planning a summer music festival, an autumn food fair, or a festive winter market, now is the time to secure your team.
Hiring early ensures you have access to experienced personnel who can adapt to the specific needs of your event. It also allows time for site-specific training, ensuring everyone is familiar with your festival’s layout, schedule, and contingency plans.

Tips for a Seamless Festival Experience
1. Start Early – The earlier you begin planning, the easier it is to secure top-tier marshals and stewards.
2. Communicate Clearly – Ensure all staff are briefed on your event’s goals, layout, and safety protocols.
3. Invest in Training – If using volunteers, consider investing in basic training to ensure they can perform their roles effectively.
4. Prioritise Safety – Work closely with local authorities and emergency services to develop comprehensive safety plans.
5. Evaluate and Improve – After the event, gather feedback from your marshals and stewards to identify areas for improvement.

Partnering with Us for Your Festival Staffing Needs
We specialise in providing professional marshals and stewards for festivals of all sizes. Our experienced team is trained to handle every aspect of event management, from parking logistics to attendee assistance.
By partnering with us, you’ll gain access to skilled personnel who are passionate about creating safe, enjoyable, and memorable experiences for your attendees.

Looking Forward to Festival Season
Festivals are a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. But behind the scenes, they require meticulous planning and dedicated teams to bring them to life. Marshals and stewards are at the heart of this effort, ensuring safety, efficiency, and enjoyment for everyone involved.
As you plan your festivals for the year ahead, don’t underestimate the value of a well-trained team. Whether it’s managing crowds or providing exceptional attendee support, marshals and stewards are the key to a successful event.
Contact us today to discuss your festival staffing needs and let’s make your events unforgettable!