Bonfire Night Safety: Keeping Crowds Safe with Barriers
However, bonfires, fireworks and large crowds can create safety risks. Good planning, clear walkways and the right equipment can help event organisers keep visitors safe.
In this blog, we look at how crowd control barriers can help with fire safety and crowd management at Bonfire Night events.
Why Is Crowd Control Important on Bonfire Night?
Bonfire Night events can attract large crowds, particularly when they include fireworks, food stalls and entertainment.
When lots of people gather in one area, it’s important to keep walkways clear and make sure visitors know where they can and cannot go.
Crowd control barriers can help organisers:
- Create clear walkways and routes
- Keep people away from the bonfire and restricted areas
- Organise queues at entrances and food stalls
- Keep emergency access routes clear
- Separate pedestrians from vehicles and equipment
Using barriers as part of a wider event safety plan can make busy events easier to manage.
Bonfire Safety: Creating a Safe Boundary
The Bonfire is often the main attraction at a Guy Fawkes Night event. However, an open fire can create risks from heat, sparks and falling embers.
Visitors should be kept at a safe distance from the fire. The exclusion zone should be planned based on factors such as the size and location of the bonfire, as well as professional fire safety advice.
Metal crowd control barriers can help create a clear boundary around the bonfire and prevent visitors from entering restricted areas.
Barriers should always be used alongside a suitable fire risk assessment, trained staff, fire safety equipment and emergency procedures. They should not be relied on as the only safety measure.
Supporting Fire Safety at Events
Good fire safety planning is important before any Bonfire Night event begins. Organisers should consider:
- The size and location of the bonfire
- The safe distance between the fire and visitors
- Wind conditions and the risk of sparks
- Emergency access and evacuation routes
- First aid and fire safety equipment
- Clear signs and instructions for visitors
Planning these areas can help organisers manage risks and respond quickly if something goes wrong.
Managing Queues with Crowd Control Barriers
Food stalls, entrances and other popular areas can become busy, particularly before fireworks begin.
Crowd control barriers can be used to create organised queues, guide visitors and prevent walkways from becoming blocked.
First Fence’s Standard Crowd Control Barriers are lightweight and feature a simple hooking system, making them easy to install and remove.
First Fence also offers a range of metal crowd control barriers, including:
- Standard Crowd Control Barriers
- Premium Smartweld Barriers
- 3.5m Crowd Control Pedestrian Barriers
Each option has different features to suit different event requirements.
Preparing for Wind and Wet Weather
Bonfire Night takes place in November, so organisers should be prepared for cold, wet and windy weather.
First Fence’s metal crowd control barriers are made from galvanised steel, helping them resist rust and providing durability for repeated use.
Depending on the barrier type and location, accessories such as barrier feet, ballast bags and barrier trolleys can also help with installation, stability and transportation.
Barriers should always be installed correctly and checked throughout the event, particularly when weather conditions change.
Hire Crowd Control Barriers for Bonfire Night
If you’re organising a one-off Bonfire Night event, hiring barriers can be a flexible option.
First Fence offers metal crowd control barrier hire for events and short-term use. Whether you know how many barriers you need or would like help working out the right quantity, our team can help.
We offer competitive weekly hire rates, with Same Day, Next Day, Express and Economy delivery options.
Get Ready for Bonfire Night with First Fence
Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for communities to come together and enjoy fireworks and celebrations. However, keeping visitors safe should always be a priority.
From creating clear walkways to setting boundaries around the bonfire, crowd control barriers can help organisers manage busy areas and support their wider event safety plan.
First Fence offers a range of crowd control barriers, walk-through barriers, Police Barriers and accessories for different event requirements.
Contact Us
Looking for crowd control barriers for your Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night event? Contact First Fence:
- Phone: 01283 512 111
- Email: sales@firstfence.co.uk
- Live chat: Available on the First Fence website
You can now track your order using our new tracking service to ensure your delivery arrives on time.
