Oswestry Fireworks Festival Safety Review

At MBO Safety Services Limited, we take pride in ensuring that public events are managed safely and effectively. Our commitment to structured event planning, risk assessment, and crowd control strategies helps organisations deliver memorable experiences while prioritising the safety of all attendees.

Recently, we assisted Oswestry Town Council in reviewing the challenges faced during last year’s Fireworks Festival, which drew significantly larger crowds than expected. The findings from our safety report, now publicly available, have outlined key areas for improvement, focusing on structured planning, security measures, and communication protocols.

Addressing the Key Issues

Our comprehensive review highlighted several concerns, including the lack of a structured Event Management Plan, untested emergency procedures, and unclear leadership roles. The absence of an adequately detailed security strategy led to crowd management challenges, with attendees experiencing confusion and distress.

Additionally, last-minute changes and a lack of capacity control contributed to logistical difficulties, particularly affecting families with young children and individuals with disabilities. Without effective crowd movement planning, safety risks escalated, reinforcing the need for meticulous preparation in future events.

Recommendations for Safer Future Events

Based on our findings, we have advised Oswestry Town Council on several crucial improvements:

Structured Event Planning – A detailed Event Management Plan must be established, outlining clear responsibilities and protocols well in advance.
Security Enhancements – Increased security personnel and defined crowd control measures will ensure smoother movement and emergency readiness.
Improved Communication – Providing accurate attendance forecasts and clearer entry restrictions will help prevent overcrowding.
Ticketing Considerations – Introducing ticketing or controlled entry options could manage numbers effectively, maintaining safety standards for large-scale events.

Oswestry Town Council has welcomed our recommendations and has already begun implementing changes to improve the planning of future events. Their swift response to feedback shows their dedication to ensuring that local celebrations remain safe, enjoyable, and well-organised.

How MBO Safety Services Can Help You

At MBO Safety Services Limited, we bring expertise and experience to event safety planning, providing tailored solutions for organisations looking to host safe and successful public gatherings. Whether it’s firework displays, festivals, corporate events, or community celebrations, we offer:

Comprehensive Risk Assessments – Identifying potential hazards and implementing proactive measures to mitigate risks.
Event Management Planning – Developing structured plans that cover emergency procedures, security arrangements, and logistical considerations.
Crowd Control Strategies – Ensuring safe movement of attendees, entry/exit management, and contingency planning.
Security Planning & Training – Supporting teams with the necessary resources and knowledge to handle high-capacity events.

If you’re planning an event and need expert guidance on safety management, get in touch with us—we’re here to help create seamless, secure experiences for all.