Festival organisers ‘must bolster adverse weather plans amid insurance scrutiny’

Summer festival organisers are being urged 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 disruption beyond organisers’ control, is becoming an essential part of cover in Ireland, according to an industry expert.

A growing number of Irish events and festivals have been affected by adverse weather – including Forever Young in Kildare, where severe rainfall in 2023 led to the temporary exclusion of day-ticket holders.

Brady Insurance said insurers are placing a greater emphasis on how organisers address adverse weather conditions, with some local authorities setting cancellation and curtailment cover as a condition of event licensing.

“We’re seeing more sudden downpours, storm warnings and safety concerns that can derail an event at the last minute,” said Jane Brady, CEO of the Leitrim-based insurance provider.

“The goal is to prepare early and manage risks effectively and ensure that events have the best chance of going ahead with minimal disruption.

“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 for potentially hot weather.”

As an example, the St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin, which is a client of Brady Insurance, benefited from cancellation and curtailment insurance in 2018.

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 cover,” said Julia Dalton, operations director with the St Patrick’s 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. It means we can be confident we’re covered and prepared, no matter what the weather throws at us.”

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

It urged festival and event organisers to engage with brokers early in their planning stages to ensure they have the most appropriate cover in place, tailored to their needs.

Ms Brady added: “With good preparation, clear contingency planning, and the right insurance advice, Irish festivals and events can continue to thrive, even in a more unpredictable world.”