#BeSafeBeSound: Digital Toolkit for the UK’s Live Music Industry

#BeSafeBeSound Campaign – Digital Toolkit for the UK’s Live Music Industry
Publication Date: 01/06/2023

Introduction

Since 2019, the #BeSafeBeSound campaign has played a vital role in reassuring live music fans across the UK and encouraging them to speak up if they notice something that doesn’t feel right. Now, Counter Terrorism Policing and the UK’s music industry are collaborating again to help festivalgoers and concert attendees have a safe and enjoyable summer. With a focus on providing practical tools and guidance, the campaign also highlights the importance of staff training—particularly ACT Awareness E-Learning—to bolster protective security measures.

About the Campaign

#BeSafeBeSound aims to remind people attending live music events to trust their instincts and share any concerns with security staff. Over the years, it has reached millions of fans, gaining support from some of the biggest festivals and venues in the country, including Glastonbury, The O2, Leeds & Reading Festival, TRNSMT, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Creamfields, Utilita Arena, and Wembley Arena, among many others.

Research shows that 18 to 24-year-olds—one of the key demographics at live events—welcome the campaign’s messages. More than a third of those surveyed stated they would feel:

• More vigilant when attending a live music event

• More likely to tell security if they saw something suspicious

• Safer when attending a live music event

• Reassured about safety at live music events

These insights affirm that #BeSafeBeSound not only raises awareness but actively empowers music fans to look out for each other, helping to foster a safer environment at venues and festivals across the UK.

Why It Matters

1. Reassurance for Attendees
   Modern security concerns can make some attendees anxious. Clear, visible messaging about reporting suspicious activity can ease these worries, allowing music fans to focus on enjoying their favourite artists and events.

2. Extra Layer of Protective Security
   Communication is key. By sharing #BeSafeBeSound messages and encouraging vigilance, live music organisers add an additional layer of protective security—deterring potential hostile activity and promoting swift action if something does occur.

3. Staff Training with ACT Awareness E-Learning
   Encouraging staff to undertake the free online ACT Awareness E-Learning is a practical step to enhance your event’s security. Informed employees know how to spot unusual activity, communicate effectively with security teams, and respond confidently if an incident arises.

How You Can Help

1. Leverage the Digital Toolkit
The #BeSafeBeSound campaign resources are free and simple to use, making them an easy addition to your existing communication channels.

2. Share on Public-Facing Channels
Feature #BeSafeBeSound messages on:

• Your website (e.g., on event info or safety/security pages)

• Ticket confirmation emails or newsletters to customers

• Digital screens around your venue or festival grounds

• Posters or banners displayed at entrances and high-traffic areas

3. Promote on Social Media
Use your social platforms to reinforce the campaign’s core message: “If you see something that doesn’t feel right, tell security.” Including the campaign hashtag, #BeSafeBeSound, will help amplify awareness.

4. Encourage Staff Awareness

• Share or embed the free ACT Awareness E-Learning in your staff training resources or company intranet.

• Highlight #BeSafeBeSound tips in staff briefings and newsletters.

5. Engage In Two-Way Communication
Encourage attendees to get in touch if they have any questions about security. This openness further reassures fans and fosters a community ethos, where everyone is jointly responsible for keeping the event safe.

Bringing It All Together

By using the #BeSafeBeSound toolkit and emphasising security-minded communications, UK music venues and festivals can create a more secure and welcoming environment for all. Whether it’s through posters, online updates, or face-to-face conversations, every effort made to remind fans about vigilance helps protect everyone—and keeps the music playing without worry.

For more information and to download the campaign toolkit, visit the ProtectUK website. Together, we can ensure that live music events across the country remain memorable, exciting, and above all, safe for every attendee. For online Risk Assessment Templates, Storage and Deployment visit safetydocs.org

Remember: If you see something that doesn’t feel right, speak to security staff immediately and help keep the UK’s live music scene safe. #BeSafeBeSound