Leitrim insurance experts say Irish festivals must adapt to climate-driven risks

A Leitrim insurance provider is urging summer festival and outdoor event organisers to bolster their weather contingency plans as climate-related events fuel heightened scrutiny from insurers and local authorities.

Cancellation and Curtailment insurance, which covers unforeseen disruptions beyond organisers’ control, is becoming an essential part of cover in Ireland, according to the Carrick-on-Shannon based Brady Insurance.

Recent years have seen a growing number of Irish events and festivals impacted by adverse weather - the most high profile being the 2023 Forever Young Festival in Kildare. 

Severe rainfall rendered the grounds unsafe, leading to the exclusion of day-ticket holders. The festival faced significant financial strain and subsequently entered liquidation, resulting in the event's permanent cancellation the following year.  

Some local authorities are now setting it as a condition for event licensing.

Brady Insurance says insurers are now placing greater emphasis on the quality of event management plans - and particularly how organisers address adverse weather conditions. 

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Rather than see this as a setback, it advises that organisers should treat it as an opportunity to build even stronger, more resilient events, from a large-scale festival to a community gathering.

“We’re seeing more sudden downpours, storm warnings and safety concerns that can derail an event at the last minute. The goal is to prepare early and manage risks effectively and ensure that events have the best chance of going ahead with minimal disruption,” said Jane Brady, CEO of Brady Insurance.

“As well as cancellation and curtailment insurance, insurers want to see proactive measures on-site. 

“These include use of additional woodchip to manage muddy grounds, trackway systems to ensure emergency vehicle access and crowd cooling measures such as shaded areas or misting stations, in prep for potentially hot weather.”

In 2018, the St Patrick's Festival in Dublin, a client of Brady Insurance, experienced first-hand the benefits of adequate insurance. 

“Forecasts of heavy snowfall led to the curtailment of several outdoor events, including the Festival Big Day Out and the 5K Road Race. The festival's existing cancellation and curtailment insurance provided financial protection, underscoring the importance of such coverage,” said Julia Dalton, Operations Director of St Patrick’s Day Festival.

“In today's unpredictable climate, having robust contingency plans and appropriate insurance coverage is not just prudent—it's essential. 

“Our collaboration with Brady Insurance has been instrumental in ensuring we can protect the experience for our attendees, and give peace of mind to our team, suppliers, and partners. Working closely with them means we can be confident we're covered and prepared, no matter what the weather throws at us.”

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Brady Insurance also noted evolving risk concerns beyond the weather with growing interest in securing insurance cover for public disorder risks, reflecting the broader risk landscape for public gatherings. 

Meanwhile, non-appearance insurance for performers is being tightened by insurers, particularly for older artists, with many policies now offering limited cover such as for accidental injuries only.

Brady Insurance urged organisers to engage with brokers early in their planning stages to ensure they have the most appropriate cover in place, tailored to their needs.