The Importance of Car Park Marshals and Stewards at the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival 2025

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the UK horse racing calendar, attracting thousands of spectators, punters, and industry professionals each year. With so many visitors flocking to the racecourse, efficient traffic management and crowd control are essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. This is where car park marshals and stewards play a vital role.
From managing vehicle flow and parking logistics to assisting racegoers and enhancing overall security, these professionals are indispensable to the festival’s success. In this blog, we’ll explore the key benefits of having dedicated car park marshals and stewards at Cheltenham and why their presence is crucial for event operations.

The Role of Car Park Marshals and Stewards

Car park marshals and stewards are responsible for overseeing vehicle and pedestrian movement in and around the event’s parking areas. Their duties include:
• Managing Traffic Flow: Directing vehicles to available parking spots, reducing congestion, and preventing bottlenecks.
• Ensuring Safety: Assisting pedestrians, preventing accidents, and managing any potential hazards in the parking areas.
• Providing Customer Assistance: Helping visitors find their parking spots, offering directions, and answering general queries.
• Enhancing Security: Monitoring the area for any suspicious activities and ensuring vehicles and belongings remain safe.
• Coordinating with Event Staff: Working alongside security teams and racecourse management to ensure smooth operations.

The Benefits of Car Park Marshals and Stewards at Cheltenham Festival
1. Reducing Congestion and Improving Traffic Flow
With over 250,000 attendees expected at the festival, traffic congestion is a significant concern. Car park marshals help manage incoming and outgoing vehicles, ensuring a steady and organised flow. By preventing gridlock, they reduce frustration for attendees and allow smoother access to and from the racecourse.
2. Enhancing Visitor Experience
Nothing sets the tone for an event quite like the first impression. For many guests, their experience starts in the car park. Professional marshals provide clear guidance and assistance, helping visitors park efficiently and navigate their way to the event entrances. This level of organisation ensures a stress-free arrival, allowing guests to focus on enjoying the races.
3. Improving Safety for Both Pedestrians and Drivers
Large-scale events pose safety risks, particularly in crowded parking areas where vehicles and pedestrians are in close proximity. Car park marshals play a key role in preventing accidents by:
• Directing pedestrian crossings and ensuring safe walkways.
• Managing speed limits within the parking areas.
• Preventing reckless driving and ensuring compliance with parking rules.
• Assisting those with mobility issues or special requirements.
4. Enhancing Security and Preventing Theft
With thousands of vehicles parked in one location, car park security is a top priority. Marshals help deter theft and vandalism by maintaining a visible presence and monitoring the area. Their vigilance ensures that attendees can enjoy the festival without worrying about the safety of their vehicles.
5. Providing Essential Information and Assistance
For first-time visitors or those unfamiliar with the venue, car park stewards serve as a valuable point of contact. Whether directing guests to designated parking zones, helping with lost tickets, or offering guidance on shuttle services, their support contributes to a positive experience for all attendees.
6. Ensuring Efficient Emergency Response
In the event of an emergency—such as a medical incident, vehicle breakdown, or fire—car park marshals play a crucial role in coordinating a swift response. They help emergency services access affected areas quickly and ensure that pathways remain clear for ambulances and fire crews if needed.
7. Managing VIP and Accessible Parking
The Cheltenham Festival welcomes high-profile guests, sponsors, and attendees requiring accessible parking. Car park marshals oversee these designated areas, ensuring priority parking is available and efficiently managed. Their assistance ensures that VIPs and individuals with disabilities receive the convenience and support they need.
8. Reducing Stress for Event Organisers
A well-managed parking system alleviates pressure on event organisers and security personnel. By entrusting traffic and parking logistics to trained marshals, organisers can focus on other aspects of the festival’s success, knowing that the flow of vehicles and attendees is being expertly handled.

Hiring Professional Staff from Envisage Agency

For event organisers looking to ensure smooth operations at Cheltenham Festival, hiring professional marshals and stewards from Envisage Agency is a smart investment. Envisage Agency specialises in providing experienced event staff trained in traffic management, security, and customer service. Here’s why choosing Envisage Agency can make a difference:
• Experienced Personnel: Their team consists of well-trained marshals with experience in managing high-profile events.
• Reliable and Professional Service: Envisage staff are dedicated to providing seamless event support, ensuring a positive experience for attendees.
• Tailored Staffing Solutions: Whether you need a small team for VIP parking or a large crew to manage general event parking, Envisage offers flexible staffing options.
• Commitment to Safety and Efficiency: Their personnel are trained to handle emergencies, control crowds, and maintain high safety standards.
By hiring from Envisage Agency, event organisers can ensure that parking and traffic management at Cheltenham Festival is handled by professionals, enhancing the overall success of the event.

Ensuring a Safe and Seamless Cheltenham Festival Experience
Car park marshals and stewards are an essential component of the Cheltenham Festival’s operations. Their expertise in traffic management, customer service, and security ensures that attendees arrive and depart with ease, creating a seamless and enjoyable experience.
For an event of this magnitude, investing in professional marshals is not just a convenience—it is a necessity. By enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and providing invaluable assistance, these professionals play a pivotal role in maintaining the festival’s reputation as one of the premier horse racing events in the UK.
So, the next time you attend Cheltenham Festival, take a moment to appreciate the dedication of the marshals and stewards who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event run smoothly! And for event organisers, partnering with Envisage Agency ensures that you have the best team on hand to manage parking and crowd control efficiently.