Why You Should Hire Marshals and Stewards for Your VE Day Celebration

Planning a VE Day celebration is a great way to bring people together and remember an important moment in history. Whether you’re organising a local street party, parade, or a large-scale public event, having a team of trained marshals and stewards is essential.

With big crowds, family activities, and high community engagement, event marshals and stewards help things run smoothly, safely, and with a positive atmosphere for everyone.

The Role of Marshals and Stewards at a VE Day Event

A VE Day event is likely to attract a wide range of visitors—families, elderly veterans, local authorities, and tourists. This kind of event needs structure and organisation to ensure it goes off without a hitch. That’s where marshals and stewards come in.

1. Keeping People and Areas Safe
Marshals and stewards are responsible for:

Guiding attendees around the venue or event space

Managing entrances and exits

Keeping watch over high-traffic or sensitive areas

Helping prevent overcrowding

They provide a friendly, helpful presence that reassures guests and encourages safe behaviour.

2. Monitoring the Crowd
At busy public events like VE Day celebrations, crowd control is crucial. Marshals and stewards help:

Monitor crowd movement

Spot potential issues early

Assist with managing queues or bottlenecks

They act as the eyes and ears on the ground to keep things running smoothly.

3. Responding to Emergencies
If something unexpected happens—like a medical issue or an incident—marshals and stewards are trained to act quickly. Their duties may include:

Guiding people to safety

Helping emergency services access the scene

Keeping crowds calm and informed

Providing basic first aid if trained

4. Managing Access and Entry Points
If your VE Day event includes restricted areas, performances, or VIP sections, marshals and stewards can:

Check tickets or wristbands

Manage guest lists

Ensure only authorised individuals enter designated areas

This helps keep the event orderly and secure.

5. Reducing Risks
Before and during the event, marshals and stewards can carry out visual safety checks. They look for potential hazards like:

Obstructed walkways

Damaged barriers or signage

Lost children or vulnerable attendees

Acting early helps avoid bigger issues.

6. Assisting with Disputes
While rare, misunderstandings or minor disagreements can happen. Marshals and stewards are trained in de-escalation techniques to calm the situation and find a peaceful solution.

Why VE Day Events Benefit from Marshals and Stewards

VE Day celebrations are all about community, remembrance, and respect. With that comes the need for well-organised crowd management and guest support. Event marshals and stewards help by:

Keeping people safe

Offering directions and assistance

Managing flow and access

Creating a welcoming and controlled environment

They allow organisers to focus on the event itself, knowing the logistics are covered.

What Marshals and Stewards Do on the Day

Here’s a look at the typical duties of event stewards and marshals at a VE Day celebration:

Guiding guests to seating or facilities

Giving directions and answering questions

Supporting mobility-impaired guests

Escorting lost children or assisting the elderly

Monitoring crowd behaviour

Communicating with the event team via radio

Assisting with parking or traffic flow if needed

Taking notes of any incidents or concerns

They’re often the first people your guests see—and a big part of why the event feels smooth and organised.

Working Conditions
Marshals and stewards may work outdoors and should be prepared for all types of weather. They often wear high-visibility clothing, work long shifts, and remain on their feet throughout the day. A calm, friendly attitude and clear communication are key parts of the job.

FAQ: Hiring Marshals and Stewards for VE Day Events

Do I need marshals or stewards for a VE Day event?
If you’re expecting a large crowd or holding a public event, yes. They help with guidance, safety, and smooth event flow.

What’s the difference between marshals and stewards?
The roles often overlap. Marshals typically help manage crowds and outdoor areas, while stewards focus more on guest support and entry points. Both roles are essential.

How many marshals or stewards do I need?
This depends on your event size, layout, and activities. A good rule is to have at least one for every 50-100 attendees, with more for complex areas.

Can they help with traffic and parking?
Yes, some marshals are trained to assist with traffic management, especially for road closures or designated parking zones.

Do marshals and stewards need training?
Absolutely. They should be briefed on safety procedures, communication protocols, and emergency responses. Some may also have first aid training.

Why Marshals and Stewards Matter to you VE Day Events

VE Day is about honour, unity, and community. With proper planning and support from trained event marshals and stewards, your celebration can be safe, organised, and enjoyable for everyone.

They’re the friendly faces that help guests, keep things running on time, and handle any unexpected issues—so you can focus on making the day memorable.

If you’re organising a VE Day event, make marshals and stewards part of your event plan. Their presence makes all the difference.