Introduction
Family-friendly festivals strive to create magical, inclusive experiences for young and old alike. For children and other short attendees, however, a clear view of the stage can make the difference between feeling part of the festival or feeling left out. As Sharon Reuben – family programme booker at Latitude Festival – notes, taking kids to festivals is about “creating those magical moments that happen when families step out of their normal routine” (www.offalyexpress.ie). But nothing shatters that magic faster than a child spending the show staring at the backs of taller adults. Seeing is belonging, and ensuring shorter festivalgoers can see the performances is an important aspect of inclusive festival design.
The Challenge of Sightlines for Short Audiences
In large crowds, anyone below the average adult height often struggles with poor sightlines. Children, who are common at family-friendly events, are especially affected. They end up perched on parents’ shoulders or standing on tiptoes for a glimpse of performers – solutions that are uncomfortable, unsafe, and can block others’ view. Even shorter adults face frustration when surrounded by towering spectators or waving flags. Festival producers around the world have encountered these challenges at events of all sizes, from local community festivals to major music festivals with hundred-thousand strong crowds.
Traditional festival setups typically favour the tall. Flat open fields — common for big music festivals — offer minimal natural elevation for shorter fans. While some venues thankfully have sloped terrain (for example, Glastonbury’s famous Pyramid Stage sits in a natural bowl that provides a “perfect view from anywhere half way back right to the top of the hill” (www.efestivals.co.uk)), many sites are flat. Unless thoughtful measures are taken, “half the audience” (the shorter half) may spend the show looking at giant screens or backs of heads instead of the live action.
Venue Selection and Natural Vantage Points
An experienced festival organiser will consider sightlines in venue selection. Whenever possible, choose or configure a venue with natural grading or amphitheater-style viewing. Sloped lawns, terraced grounds, or stadium-style setups dramatically improve visibility for those at the back. Iconic festivals have leveraged this: at the Pyramid Stage in the UK, the hill’s incline lets even kids see over those in front (www.efestivals.co.uk). In Mexico City’s Vive Latino festival and Spain’s Primavera Sound, sections of the audience areas are slightly elevated, giving shorter fans a fighting chance to see the stage. If a naturally hilly site isn’t available, consider artificially creating gentle tiers or elevated berms as viewing areas during site build – essentially landscaping for better sightlines.
For smaller family-oriented festivals or city-based events, look for parks and plazas with bleachers, steps, or raised viewpoints at the sides. Many urban cultural festivals (in Singapore, India, and beyond) make use of existing architecture – like steps in a public square – to give kids a boost in viewing. Even a temporary grandstand or scaffold platform at the back or side of a flat field can become a safe viewing perch for families. The key is to provide some varied elevation within the viewing area, so that not everyone is standing on the same flat plane.
Moderately Raised Platforms for Short Fans
One direct solution is to install dedicated viewing platforms for shorter audiences. These platforms, similar in spirit to the disabled access platforms at many festivals, are moderately elevated (perhaps 0.5 to 1 meter high) to allow those on them to see over the standing crowd. The elevation should be just enough to improve sightlines for short attendees, but not so high that the platform itself blocks sightlines of others behind it. A wide, gently raised platform toward the back of the main viewing area can let kids climb up with a parent and actually see the performers on stage.
When implementing raised platforms:
– Safety first: The structure must be stable and have railings. Limit the capacity and ensure it doesn’t become dangerously overcrowded. For example, a 20-foot wide riser might hold a certain number of families at a time with adequate space.
– Location and height: Place it far enough back or to the side so it doesn’t obstruct the main crowd’s view. A moderate height (e.g. a couple of feet off the ground) can do wonders for a 4-foot-tall child without towering over adult patrons behind.
– Access control: Decide how families access the platform. Some festivals issue special wristbands or passes for the accessible platforms; similarly, you can manage a kids’ platform through a sign-up system. Using a robust ticketing platform (for instance, Ticket Fairy) to allow parents to reserve “family platform” spots or time slots can prevent chaos and ensure fairness. This also helps the festival staff know how many to expect and avoid disappointing a large queue of hopeful kids.
– Supervision: Stewards or volunteers should be assigned to monitor the platform area. They can help kids up and down the steps, enforce capacity limits, and generally make sure everyone on the riser is enjoying the view safely. Having staff present also reassures parents and deters any misuse of the space by those it’s not intended for.
Real-world case studies show the impact of such platforms. At regional events like Splore Festival in New Zealand and Woodford Folk Festival in Australia, organisers have provided small viewing platforms or gentle bleacher seating specifically for families. These became hugely popular with parents, who knew there was a safe spot where their children could actually watch the headliner instead of just hearing it. Budget for these platforms in your production plan – the goodwill and positive feedback from families will often justify the expense.
Side Risers and Tiered Viewing Areas
If a full platform isn’t feasible in the middle of the crowd, consider side risers or tiered viewing areas along the periphery of the main stages. Many festivals naturally have less dense crowds at the far sides of a stage; these zones can be enhanced with slight elevation:
– You might set up a few rows of tiered platforms or bleachers on one side of the stage viewing area. Families and shorter fans who stand there get an unobstructed angled view of the stage.
– Side risers can be as simple as stepped riser decks or even a set of sturdy hay bales at a country fair – any solution that gives a small height boost. At some community music festivals, temporary bleachers are common and double as an option for kids to see the performers over adults’ heads.
– Ensure the angle to stage is reasonable. A side riser should be placed so that those on it are not looking at just the performers’ backs. Slightly downstage to the left or right (where stage screens are still visible) tends to work well.
By using side areas, you avoid disrupting the core floor of the main crowd. Some multi-genre festivals now include family viewing areas off to the side of main stages, recognizing that parents with young ones appreciate a bit of space and elevation. The side placement also often means easier ingress and egress for families, which ties into overall festival safety and comfort.
Reserving Front “Pockets” for Kids
Children dream of being right up front at the stage barrier, seeing their music heroes up close. However, front-row spots at big festivals are typically staked out early by dedicated (and usually adult) fans, and the crush near the rail can be intense. One innovative approach is to reserve small front-row pockets for kids and families at certain times:
– During daytime or specifically designated family-friendly performances, have a section of the front-of-stage area (for example, off to one side of the center barrier) fenced for children with accompanying parents. This could be done for a couple of hours mid-afternoon, or for particular acts known to have young fanbases.
– Announce these kid-friendly front row sessions in advance so families know when to gather. Stewards at the barrier can then admit families into that reserved pen until it’s comfortably full.
– Time limits or schedule slots: You might rotate which families are up front per act or have a policy like “children’s hour at the main stage from 2–4 PM.” After that period, the area could revert to general access for all. This rotation ensures fairness and gives multiple groups a chance for the coveted front view.
For example, at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, organizers historically let parents with small children come to the fore during mellow daytime sets, creating heartwarming scenes of kids on shoulders right at the stage (but in a safe, low-pressure environment). Similarly, Camp Bestival in the UK (a renowned family festival) has had moments where kids gather at the stage front for special performances tailored to them, from kids’ entertainers to child-friendly rock acts. These festivals find that offering front pockets to kids not only delights the young attendees but also earns immense goodwill from parents.
It’s crucial to manage these areas with care:
– Dedicated staff should guard the entrances so that only families with children enter (preventing random adults rushing in).
– If the festival has big crowds, limit the time kids spend at the front during very popular acts or later in the evening, when crowd energy is higher. The goal is to keep kids safe – rowdy nighttime headliners might not be suitable for little ones at the barrier.
– Have a plan for exit: Once the reserved time or show is over, help families exit before the next wave of general crowd pushes forward. This might mean a short break in between acts to clear out the kids’ pen.
Tech Solutions: LED Screens at Kid-Height
No matter how many platforms or special areas you create, some short attendees will still end up in the general crowd. For those roaming families or diminutive fans who find themselves with a less-than-perfect view, technology can offer an assist. Large LED relay screens are now standard at big festivals – typically mounted high above the stage or to its sides so the masses further back can see live video. But these screens often tower above a child’s sightline, especially if they’re up close. One remedy is to use additional LED screens positioned at kid height or with an adjustable angle:
– Place a couple of smaller LED panels lower to the ground at the side edges of the stage or even along the front barrier, facing back toward the crowd. Think of them as “monitors” for the audience. If a child can’t see over the heads in front, they can look at these lower screens to still catch the action.
– Configure camera feeds or graphics on these screens with kid-friendly framing. That might mean ensuring the camera shots include wider angles showing the whole band (so even if a child is short, they feel the scale of the performance), or even adding fun graphics specifically for the little viewers. Some festivals get creative with this – e.g. adding a cartoon overlay on the side screens during children’s acts so kids are extra engaged.
– Use closed captions or visuals on these screens to help kids follow along if they’re further back. While adults focus on the music, kids sometimes appreciate text or animations (for instance, displaying lyrics karaoke-style encourages youngsters to sing along even if they can’t see the singer clearly in person).
Many modern events already use secondary screens at ground level for crowd engagement (for example, interactive games or sponsor messages between acts). Extending this idea to provide on-stage content at a height visible to smaller people is a logical next step. It’s a relatively low-cost addition if your video crew and AV partners plan for it, yet it can significantly improve the experience for attendees under, say, 5 feet tall.
Keeping Obstructions Out of Kid Zones
Visual obstructions are the enemy of good sightlines. Even if you create special zones for short audiences, their view can be ruined by a single inconsiderate attendee with a huge flag or sign. Festival organizers should enforce a strict “no big obstructions” rule in designated family viewing areas:
– Ban flags, large banners, and big inflatable costumes or totems within these zones. Many festivals have already taken steps in this direction event-wide. Notably, the Reading and Leeds Festivals in England banned flags from their arenas as far back as 2009 to improve sightlines (www.irishexaminer.com). For family zones, this kind of rule is even more critical.
– Post signage around the platform or kids’ area reminding everyone of the no-obstruction policy. Most attendees are happy to comply when they realize it’s for the benefit of children’s enjoyment.
– Similarly, consider asking that in these areas parents refrain from putting kids on their shoulders if it ends up blocking other kids behind them. This can be a tough call – a child on shoulders might be the only way they see, so the better solution is to give them an alternative like a raised platform. However, if a shoulders-up child is directly in front of another, stewards may need to politely reposition them. The rule of thumb is be mindful of the chain reaction: if one person elevates (a flag, a child, etc.), everyone behind has to do something to adjust. In a kids’ zone, the goal is for no one to need extreme measures to see.
By keeping these zones clear of periscopes, parasols, giant flags, and other view-blockers, you create a kind of “safe haven” for short viewers’ sightlines. This demonstrates to all festivalgoers that the organisers are serious about inclusive viewing – an aspect of festival etiquette that can catch on and improve behaviour even outside the family areas.
Staff Rotation and Fair Access
Ensuring short attendees get a fair chance at prime viewing isn’t a one-and-done setup – it requires active management throughout the event. This is where festival staff and stewards play a crucial role, not only for safety (as discussed) but for fairness:
– Rotate stewards through the special viewing areas to keep enforcement fresh and attentive. A staffer who has been manning the kids’ platform all day might start to lose alertness, so scheduling shifts ensures rules (like no obstructions, capacity limits, time limits) are consistently upheld.
– Train the stewards to be friendly but firm arbiters of fairness. For example, if one group of kids has been monopolising the front-row pocket for hours, it might be time to encourage them to give others a turn. Staff can facilitate a polite turnover (“Alright folks, let’s let some other little rockers enjoy this view for the next set!”) which families generally appreciate when done with a smile.
– Have a clear access policy and communicate it. Whether it’s first-come-first-served or a sign-up sheet for 20-minute slots on the raised platform, make sure your team and the attendees know how it works. This prevents conflicts and disappointment. It can be as simple as an info note in the festival program or app: “Family Viewing Platform: Located by Stage B. Open to parents with kids under 12. 15-minute per family when others are waiting.”
Maintaining fairness also means recognizing when not to allow exceptions. If an area is meant for kids under a certain height or age, the staff should (tactfully) turn away adult couples or groups of teens trying to slip in just for a better view. It’s tempting for anyone to want an easier view, but these zones are a courtesy for young and short attendees, and preserving that purpose keeps the initiative effective and respected.
Marketing and Community Engagement Benefits
Beyond the immediate practical steps, festival producers should view these sightline accommodations as an investment in audience happiness and community goodwill. When you make it possible for a child to actually see their first concert or favourite artist, you are creating a lifelong memory and likely a loyal future festival-goer. Parents notice these efforts. They’ll share positive feedback on social media and parenting forums, saying “This festival really cares about families – they even had special platforms so our kids could see!” Such word-of-mouth can significantly enhance your festival’s reputation in the family demographic.
Many festivals already emphasise family-friendly credentials in marketing – highlighting kids’ zones, fun activities, and safety features. Now, adding inclusive viewing to that list can set you apart. For instance, Kaleidoscope Festival in Ireland was conceived with families “at the heart of every aspect, from programming to production” (www.irishtimes.com). That kind of vision naturally extends to considering details like sightlines. In fact, veteran festival producers often stress the importance of catering to kids’ needs from the get-go. Rob da Bank – founder of Camp Bestival in the UK – encourages parents to acclimate kids to camping (since “most children love the idea of camping under the stars but haven’t experienced it”) by pitching a practice tent at home (www.irishmirror.ie). That same magic should continue on site by ensuring kids can actually witness the performances they’ve come for. By proactively thinking about these details, an event becomes truly memorable for families.
Engage the community in these efforts:
– If you have a local parents’ advisory group or past attendees who are vocal, consult them for ideas. They might suggest creative solutions like rotating “kids-only” song performances where the artist specifically acknowledges the kids up front (some artists already do this spontaneously).
– Partner with sponsors for family viewing areas. A brand that caters to families (for example, a toy or snack company) might love the idea of sponsoring the “Kids’ Viewing Deck,” providing budget for improvements while gaining positive exposure.
– Highlight these features in press releases and on ticket pages. When selling tickets through platforms like Ticket Fairy, use the event description to mention “Dedicated family viewing platform and children’s front-row access times available”. This sets expectations and attracts more family bookings.
Balancing Small-Scale and Large-Scale Festival Needs
It’s important to acknowledge that one size doesn’t fit all. The strategies for a 500-person community folk festival will differ from a 50,000-person outdoor mega-festival:
– Small festivals: Often more flexible spaces and a close-knit audience. Here, simply marking a kids’ area with some benches or a small riser might suffice. Personal communication (staff personally inviting kids to come forward during sets) can work well. Budget is tighter, but the intimacy allows for creative low-cost measures (e.g. stacking some sturdy crates or providing a few step stools for shared use, as long as they’re supervised).
– Large festivals: Require more formal infrastructure and rules. High-capacity platforms, professional engineering for any structures, clear signage, and extensive stewarding become necessary to manage thousands of attendees. The investment is larger, but so is the payoff in terms of overall festival atmosphere and inclusivity. Big events also have to integrate these ideas without disrupting the general admission flow and security – meaning close coordination with security teams and possibly the creation of physical barriers to demarcate family zones.
Take lessons from both ends of the spectrum. A huge festival might envy the organic, friendly way a tiny festival lets every child have a turn dancing up front. A small festival might look to the big ones for how to technically execute a safe viewing platform or effectively communicate rules. In all cases, keep iterating on what works. Survey your attendees (Ticket Fairy’s analytics and survey tools can help gather feedback from ticket-buyers post-event) to learn if the sightline measures are effective and what could be improved.
Successes, Failures, and Lessons Learned
Every innovation comes with a learning curve. It’s worth noting some success stories and cautionary tales from festival veterans:
– Success – Glastonbury’s family approach: Glastonbury Festival in England is not a dedicated family festival, yet it remains welcoming to all ages. Aside from a sprawling Kidzfield for children’s entertainment, its natural amphitheater terrain has unintentionally been a boon for sightlines (www.efestivals.co.uk). Families spread out on the hill with picnic blankets can see even the biggest acts without needing to insert children into dense crowds. The lesson: use your terrain or venue layout to advantage and encourage families to utilise those natural sightlines.
– Success – Reading & Leeds flag policy: As mentioned, banning large flags improved visibility for tens of thousands of fans (www.irishexaminer.com). While some flag-waving attendees grumbled, the overall feedback was positive because more people – including shorter festivalgoers – could actually see the stage and screens. Lesson: Don’t be afraid to implement and enforce policies that trade a bit of individual fan expression for the greater good of audience experience.
– Challenge – Unmanaged “kids’ areas”: Some festivals attempted informal family zones near the stage without clear rules or staff. In a few cases, this led to tension – e.g. other patrons encroaching, or one family essentially “camping” at the prime spot all day. The takeaway is that good intentions alone aren’t enough; these areas must be actively managed and communicated to work right.
– Failure – Oversized platform without consultation: A festival in Canada once erected a large viewing platform intended for families, but misjudged the height and placement. It ended up blocking sightlines for others and drew criticism from the general audience. Organisers had to reconfigure it overnight. The lesson here is to prototype and test: even a quick on-site check from various angles, or soliciting opinions during build, might have caught the issue early. Moderate height and smart positioning are key – aim to help shorter viewers without creating a new obstruction.
By reflecting on what worked and what didn’t, the next generation of festival producers can refine these approaches. Implement solutions with pilot trials (maybe start with just one stage or one scheduled time for kids at the front, then expand once you see the response). Flexibility and continuous improvement are the hallmarks of great event production, and sightline accommodations are no different.
Conclusion
Ensuring that everyone – including the smallest festival fans – can see the magic on stage is more than just a logistical tweak; it’s a statement of values. It says that your festival is committed to inclusion, fairness, and a great experience for all. When a child stands in a crowd and can actually witness their musical idol performing, they feel truly part of the communal celebration. That sense of belonging can inspire a lifelong love of festivals and live music.
From raised platforms and side risers to kids-only front rows and clever tech solutions, there are many practical ways to honor the principle that “seeing is belonging.” Each festival can adopt the measures that fit its scale and culture, but one thing is universal: paying attention to sightlines for short audiences transforms the festival experience for the better. It’s one of those details that guests might not notice when done well – but families will certainly remember the festival that let their kids truly see and feel the show.
As seasoned festival producers pass the torch to a new generation, this wisdom bears repeating: make room for everyone in the spectacle of the stage. In doing so, you’re not just managing a crowd, you’re nurturing a community.
Key Takeaways
- Inclusive Stage Design – Incorporate solutions like moderately raised platforms and tiered side viewing areas so that children and shorter attendees can see over crowds without blocking others.
- Family-Friendly Zones – Reserve front-row pockets or dedicated family viewing sections during certain sets/times. This gives kids a chance to experience the excitement up close in a safe, controlled way.
- Leverage Technology – Use LED relay screens at kid-level or angled for lower viewing, ensuring short fans can follow the performance even if their direct line of sight is blocked.
- Policy and Enforcement – Keep tall obstructions (flags, big signs, adults-on-shoulders) out of designated kids’ zones. Enforce these rules with staff stewards, and rotate staff to maintain vigilance and fairness in these areas.
- Safety & Fairness First – Prioritize stable structures (with railings) and limit capacity on platforms. Have clear policies (time limits, age/height restrictions) and communicate them, so all families get a fair chance and kids stay safe.
- Community and Reputation – Marketing your event as truly family-inclusive (with real measures to back it up) boosts goodwill. Parents remember festivals that care – positive experiences for kids translate into positive word-of-mouth and future loyalty.
- Adaptive for Scale – Tailor your sightline solutions to your festival’s size. Small events can use informal or low-cost boosts (steps, benches), while large festivals should invest in engineered platforms and robust staffing. Continuously learn from each implementation to improve year on year.
27th September 2025