Community Event Safety
Keeping children safe at community events, festivals, fairs, and public gatherings.
What is this?
Community events — from village fetes and firework displays to religious festivals and charity fun runs — are enjoyable family occasions. However, crowded environments with unfamiliar people and limited supervision create specific risks for children, including getting separated, encountering strangers, and being in situations where normal safety routines are disrupted.
How it works
The combination of large crowds, unfamiliar environments, and a relaxed atmosphere can lead to children becoming separated from parents, encountering adults who may pose a risk, or being in areas with inadequate safety measures. Children may also be given more freedom than usual at events, which can expose them to situations they are not equipped to handle.
Warning signs
In your child's behaviour
- • Anxiety or fear about attending large events
- • Reports of being approached by an unfamiliar adult at a previous event
- • Reluctance to talk about what happened at an event they attended
Prevention steps
Agree a meeting point
Before arriving, agree on a clear meeting point in case you get separated. Choose somewhere obvious and easy to find, such as a main entrance or information stand. Make sure your child can describe the meeting point.
Teach your child your phone number
Ensure your child has your mobile number memorised or written on a card in their pocket. For younger children, consider a wristband with your contact details on it.
Identify safe adults
Point out people your child could approach for help if they get lost — event stewards, police officers, or staff at stalls. Teach them to look for people in uniform or high-visibility clothing.
What to do if it happens
- 1If your child goes missing at an event, alert event stewards or security immediately and provide a description including what they are wearing.
- 2If you believe your child has been approached inappropriately, report it to event security and consider reporting to the police on 101.
- 3After the event, have a calm conversation with your child about what happened and review your safety plan together.
Related topics
If you need to report this
In immediate danger: call 999. For non-emergency police matters, call 101.
Concerned about a child but it's not an emergency? NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000. Childline for young people 0800 1111.
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last reviewed: 2026-03-29