Live Nation, MVT Welcome Fireworks Ban

It’s now a legal offense to bring fireworks, flares and smoke bombs to music events in the UK.

Martin Rickett / PA via AP – Old Trafford Bomb Scare
Fans leave the stands after a security announcement during the English Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, May 15. 

“Any member of the public found guilty of possessing a pyrotechnic article at a festival or music event could face up to three months in prison,” the announcement reads.

Music events are now on par with football grounds where this type of regulation has been in place since 1987. The new law went into effect April 3.

Security and crowd management specialist Showsec claims that “in 2014 there were 255 recorded incidents of a member of public discharging a flare or smoke bomb at a live music event [ranging from outdoor festivals to indoor city venues], 229 of which occurred at seven major music festivals, compared to just three at football grounds during the same period.”

The regulation does not apply to artists and event organizers, who are still able to incorporate pyrotechnics into their shows. It also does not apply to most events in front of private or small audiences of 500 persons or fewer.

Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, commented: “We commend the Government for taking decisive action to give the music industry the powers it needs to tackle this issue and we are pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the Home Office to make this ban a reality.”

Mark Davyd, CEO of the Music Venue Trust, said “the new regulations are clear and provide a common sense approach that protects the public.”