In our latest episode, we step into the world of music festivals, where the thrill of the front row meets the meticulous planning of crowd control.
What can the sports event industry learn from the festival industry on this matter? Quite a lot, which is also one of the reasons why Morten Therkildsen, Director of Safety at the Roskilde Festival, is involved in both UEFA Champions League finals, Formula 1, Tour de France, and UEFA’s safe standing project, aside the massive Danish festival that gathers 135,000 attendees each summer.
Roskilde was also the scene of the tragic Pearl Jam incident in 2000, when 9 people were killed as fans rushed the stage. Morten witnessed this tragedy first hand, as a volunteer back then, and this incident has ever since followed both him and his festival as a key learning point on crowd safety.
In the heart of the festival buzz, Morten unravels the strategic changes to inner pit access—highlighting innovations like the wristband system that enhances security while honouring the fervour of die-hard fans. We delve into the psyche of crowds, examining how strategic entry protocols can merge the rush of excitement with the calm of order.
Morten's rich insights, informed by his master's thesis and years of fieldwork, navigate the delicate balance of providing a safe space for the shared joy of festivals and sports events alike.
Tune in for an enlightening deep dive into the intricate art and science of crowd management with a seasoned expert.