The event security contractor Showsec marked the start of its 2012 summer festival season by delivering security and crowd management for BBC Radio 1 Starts the Summer live in Torbay, Devon, on May 19. The free ticketed event attracted a young demographic of 8,000 16-20 year olds, who had been allocated tickets through their colleges across the South West region, to see Radio 1 DJs including Fearne Cotton, Annie Mac and Example perform. Showsec’s Wales and South West office provided 80 security people for the event, project managed by Wales area manager Martin Lewis, who liaised with Radio 1 management on crowd management.
The event marked Showsec’s 12th year working with Radio 1 organisers to provide security planning, crowd management and customer care for live music events which match with the high standards of the BBC brand.
Showsec’s Richard Church, head of security for the event, says: “Radio 1’s Summer Dance Party is Showsec’s first green field event of the year, and the high standards indicate our improved capabilities for the busy summer ahead. Given the young audience of the event, our team shared strict briefing guidelines, to ensure our procedures reflect the large 16-20 age profile.
“Particular vigilance regarding ID checks and awareness of potential misuse of alcohol has been an important part of our operation, and our duty of care has been towards the young audience attending without adult supervision.
“The event is particularly exciting for visitors as the Olympic Torch is making an appearance on stage later in the evening for the first day of its historic UK tour.
“Showsec has worked with BBC Radio 1 for many years and the team has liaised extensively with Radio 1 management to deliver a security operation consistent with Showsec’s experience and reputation for delivering a high level service at BBC Radio 1 events.”
Pictured is another recent Showsec event, the Manchester City parade to mark the club’s Premier League title.
