Attendee Drones, Campfires & Generators: Remote Festival Policy & Enforcement

When planning a remote location festival, event teams often face well-meaning attendees bringing along drones, setting up personal campfires, or running portable generators. While these actions usually come from good intentions – capturing memories, fostering camp camaraderie, or ensuring personal comfort – they can inadvertently undermine safety and environmental goals. Successful festival organizers across the globe have learned that clear policies and firm enforcement regarding drones, open flames, and generators are essential to protect both people and the host environment. This article provides veteran insights into establishing those rules, obtaining any necessary permits, and enforcing protocols (including confiscation if needed), all while communicating the “why” to attendees. The aim is to preserve a safe, enjoyable festival experience and the pristine quality of remote sites for years to come.

Drones: No-Fly Zones Over Festivals

Modern camera drones have become inexpensive and easy to fly, so it’s no surprise that festival attendees may want to bring them to remote events. A drone offers exciting aerial footage of the crowd and landscape. However, large crowds and drones don’t mix – in many countries it’s even illegal to fly a drone over public gatherings without permission. From a safety standpoint, an errant drone can fall into a crowd or crash into staging, risking injuries. There are real examples of this danger: a drone famously crashed onto a concert stage in Brighton, UK, leading to the operator’s conviction. At a major rock festival in England (Download Festival 2022), unauthorized drones in the sky forced airspace closures four times in one weekend, interrupting emergency flight access. The next year, police actively deployed counter-drone units and caught a hobbyist pilot, who was fined over £1,000 and had his drone equipment confiscated by authorities. These incidents highlight how seriously drones are taken as a threat.

From a regulatory perspective, festival organizers must ensure compliance with aviation laws. In the United States, for example, drone operation near crowds or in certain airspace requires FAA authorization. In the UK and EU, strict distance rules exist (e.g. no drone flights within 150 m of events with 1,000+ people). Remote festivals often occur on open land that might be near small airports or helicopter flight paths (for medical evacuations or news choppers). A stray drone could collide with an aircraft or interfere with emergency operations – a risk no responsible festival organizer can ignore.

Policy: The standard best practice is a blanket no-drone policy for attendees. Most large festivals explicitly ban personal drones in their terms and conditions. For example, Glastonbury Festival in the UK has made it clear that drones are strictly banned on site – any that appear will be swiftly confiscated. Similarly, Firefly Festival (USA) and many others list “NO drones or UAVs” on their prohibited items list. If the festival desires aerial footage, hire a licensed professional or arrange for one official drone team operating under controlled conditions. Some events do offer a drone permit system for select users (Burning Man in Nevada is a prime example). There, only pre-registered pilots with permission can fly, and all approved drones are tagged by the safety team. Any unregistered drone at Burning Man is forbidden, and participants are told plainly: “Do not bring a drone… if you are not pre-registered!”. This kind of firm stance, backed by a registration process for exceptions, balances the desire for aerial imagery with the need for safety and privacy.

Enforcement: Enforcement of a no-drone policy begins at the festival gate. Security personnel should be trained to search for drones (and related equipment like remote controllers) in vehicles and bags during check-in. If found, the device can be tagged and held securely by staff for the duration of the festival (with clear instructions for retrieving it afterward), or the attendee can be given the option to immediately remove it from the premises. The confiscation approach should be mentioned in the policy itself (e.g. “Unauthorized drones will be confiscated at entry and held until after the event”). Inside the event, staff and volunteers (such as security or safety rangers) must stay vigilant. If a drone is spotted buzzing over the crowd, the team should quickly track down the operator. This may involve radioing the control center or using a drone detection system at larger festivals to pinpoint where it’s being flown from. Once located, swift action is necessary: instruct the operator to land immediately and surrender the drone. Have a clear protocol: first-time offenders might get a warning and their drone impounded until festival’s end; repeat offenders or anyone refusing to comply should be removed from the event for everyone’s safety. In extreme cases (like drones endangering aircraft or ignoring all demands), coordinate with local law enforcement – as seen with the Download Festival incident, police and even counter-drone technology can become involved to neutralize the threat.

Communication: It’s critical to communicate why drones are banned or restricted. Make it known to attendees that the rule isn’t about stifling fun or creativity, but about preventing accidents and respecting privacy and regulations. Effective methods include: posting the drone policy on the festival website FAQs, including a reminder in pre-event email updates or ticket purchase confirmations (using your ticketing platform’s communication tools), and on-site signage such as “No Drone Zone” banners. Some festivals mention the local law directly in their messaging – for instance, noting that flying a drone over crowds violates civil aviation rules and will lead to ejection or fines. By explaining that an out-of-control drone could injure a fan or force the cancellation of performances (or endanger a rescue helicopter), organizers frame the rule as an act of community care. Most attendees, once they understand the rationale, will happily leave the drone at home and look forward to the official aerial photos the festival provides instead.

Campfires & Open Flames: Managing Fire Risk

Gathering around a crackling campfire under the stars is a cherished outdoor tradition. At remote festivals, especially those with camping, some attendees might attempt to recreate this experience or cook their own food on open flames. However, campfires and uncontrolled open flames are usually a strict no-go for festival campsites – and for good reason. In dry or wilderness settings, a single stray spark or ember can ignite a devastating wildfire. Even in a damp field, fires can cause accidents, tents catching fire, or serious burns if not managed properly. Beyond the immediate safety issues, there are environmental impacts: open fires might scar the ground or leave behind scorched patches and charcoal, violating “leave no trace” principles that many festivals (Burning Man, Boom Festival in Portugal, etc.) hold dear.

Policy: Most festivals implement a total ban on campfires and open flames in attendee areas. This typically extends to fireworks, fire poi (fire dancing tools), candles, and sky lanterns as well – anything that involves uncontrolled fire. For example, Firefly Music Festival’s campground rules explicitly state “no fire of any kind” and only allow propane appliances for cooking. Many events permit small camping stoves or grills but with strict conditions: often only gas/propane stoves (which have controllable flames) are allowed, while charcoal or wood-burning devices are not. Bonnaroo (USA) allows campers to bring a limited amount of charcoal for grilling, but explicitly prohibits any “wooded fires” on site. In the UK, major festivals like Glastonbury ban all personal fireworks and flares outright, and while they don’t explicitly mention “campfires” in public guides (since open fires wouldn’t even be expected in a crowded campsite), it’s understood as prohibited – especially given the damage that uncontrolled fires could do to farmland. In fire-prone regions like California, Australia, and parts of Europe, festivals may be legally required to ban open flames. Organizers should closely monitor local fire danger ratings: during periods of high wildfire risk, local authorities might even prohibit camp stoves or smoking outside of designated areas. It’s wise to incorporate flexible language in the policy (e.g. “Open flames are not allowed; additional restrictions on cooking devices may apply subject to local fire bans”).

Some festivals provide designated communal fire areas as a safe alternative. For instance, a remote camping festival might set up a few supervised bonfire pits at central locations, staffed by crew or volunteers, where attendees can gather at night. These fires are managed with safety equipment on hand (sand, water buckets, extinguishers) and often require a permit from the local fire department. By offering a controlled space, the event dissuades people from illicitly starting their own fires scattered around the site. Another alternative is encouraging LED lanterns, twinkle lights, or battery-powered “campfire simulating” lamps to create ambience without flame. The policy should clarify that attempting to start an unauthorized campfire will result in immediate intervention and potential ejection from the event for serious violations.

Enforcement: Enforcing a no-campfire rule starts with entry control as well. Festival security at the gate should confiscate obvious fire-starting materials that aren’t needed for normal camping. This means if someone brings bundles of firewood or large charcoal bags outside of allowed limits, those should be turned away or taken. Likewise, fireworks or torches found during bag checks must be confiscated for the safety of all (many festivals include flares and fireworks in their prohibited item lists, often with a zero-tolerance stance). Security teams typically maintain amnesty bins for flammable items. Once inside, the festival should have a roving safety team (often this includes volunteers like rangers or professional security and on-site firefighters if available). Their job is to monitor for any signs of flame or smoke in the camping areas or festival grounds. If a campfire or unauthorized flame is spotted, staff should approach immediately and politely but firmly instruct it to be extinguished. It’s prudent to equip these personnel with fire extinguishers or water just in case. In most cases, attendees will comply when asked to put out a fire – especially if the rule has been well-communicated. Afterward, staff might need to douse the embers thoroughly and remove any remaining firewood to prevent relighting. A record of the incident should be noted by security. If an attendee deliberately violates the rule (for instance, lighting a fire after being told not to, or causing a dangerous situation), the festival organizers must be ready to enforce consequences, up to evicting the individual or group from the festival without refund. It’s harsh but remember that a single act of negligence could potentially endanger thousands of people and the entire event.

Communication: Communicating fire safety rules is all about emphasizing the “why” – protecting life and land. Festival-goers can be surprisingly understanding when they realize what’s at stake. Use multiple channels to get the message across. Before the event, send out emails and publish a “Festival Camping Guidelines” page spelling out that no campfires or open flames are allowed, referencing any local fire bans or environmental regulations. During the event, signage is key: place “No Open Flames” signs at campground entrances and on info boards. Many festivals also use the opening ceremony or first-day announcements to remind everyone of fire safety, sometimes with a bit of earnest humor (“We know a campfire sing-along sounds lovely, but trust us – setting the grounds on fire is not the way to keep warm!”). If the festival is in an area with a known wildfire risk (like a forest or outback location), consider sharing brief information about that risk: e.g., mention recent wildfires in the region or the current fire danger level. Attendees should feel like partners in prevention. Encourage the mindset that everyone is responsible for fire safety – this not only deters rule-breakers but also enlists other campers to be watchful and report any unsafe behavior. If your festival has sustainability or environmental goals, tie the no-fire rule into those: explain that avoiding burn scars and preventing wildfires are part of leaving no trace and respecting the host community. By articulating the reasons, you transform what could be seen as a “buzzkill” rule into a shared value upheld by the whole festival community.

Generators: Balancing Power Needs and Peace & Quiet

In remote festival locations, electricity can be a scarce commodity. Attendees camping off-grid sometimes wish to bring portable generators to power their campsites – whether it’s to run a small sound system for a camp party, charge phones and gadgets, brew morning coffee with an electric pot, or even inflate an air mattress. While the desire for creature comforts is understandable, a field full of personal generators can quickly turn into a safety, noise, and environmental nightmare. Gasoline and diesel generators pose fire hazards (fuel + hot engine), carbon monoxide risks, and can shatter the natural soundscape that many seek at a remote festival. Moreover, the emissions and fuel spills can harm the local environment, and the sight (and smell) of a noisy generator is quite at odds with an eco-friendly festival vibe.

Policy: Festival producers should carefully decide whether to allow any attendee-supplied generators at all. Many environmentally-focused events simply ban generators for tent campers outright. For instance, Firefly Festival prohibits generators in its regular campgrounds, only permitting them for RVs which often have built-in generator systems. This kind of rule acknowledges that RVs may need power (and are designed to handle generator use safely, with proper exhaust systems), whereas tent campers can manage with coolers and battery packs. Other festivals take a slightly different approach: Bonnaroo (USA) allows one small portable generator per camping vehicle under a certain wattage limit (in Bonnaroo’s case, under 4 kW capacity), with a strict fuel limit (maximum 10 gallons of fuel in approved containers). By capping generator size and fuel quantity, they aim to minimize both noise and fire risk. This example shows that policies can vary – some events try to accommodate generators under guidelines, while others ban them for the general population.

When formulating a generator policy, consider the profile of your attendees and the nature of the event. If it’s a weekend music festival where providing one or two centralized charging stations is feasible, you might ban personal generators and instead offer alternatives: solar phone charging lockers, scheduled “charging cafe” hours powered by the festival’s own generator or solar array, etc. If it’s a longer or more rustic event (like a week-long burn or a camping art festival), completely disallowing generators might discourage some attendees, so you could allow only inverter generators below a certain noise level during limited hours. Quiet hours are crucial: if any generators are allowed, require that they be shut off at night (e.g. no operation between 11 PM and 7 AM) to preserve quiet and let people sleep and to reduce risk of unattended running. Also, require that any allowed generator have a proper spark arrestor (important in preventing fire-starting sparks from the exhaust) and is placed a safe distance from tents and fuel sources.

If the festival has an environmental mandate, organizers might encourage alternative power solutions: bring solar panels, use rechargeable batteries, or rent a portable power station. Some festivals even offer battery rentals or on-site renewable energy options for camps. The policy should clearly state which power sources are acceptable (for example, “small solar panels and battery banks are welcome”) versus which are not (“gas-powered generators are not allowed in tent camping areas”). Outline any exceptions: if someone needs electricity for a medical device (say a CPAP machine or electric cooler for medications), instruct them to contact the festival beforehand. In many cases, the festival organizers will either make an exception (providing a special permit/tag for their small generator and perhaps placing them in a specific area) or supply a solution such as access to a reliable power outlet in the medical camping section. Being thoughtful about such ADA and medical accommodations prevents frustration and improves safety for those with special needs.

Enforcement: As with the other policies, start at the gate. During vehicle checks, staff should ask about generators or large fuel cans. If your rules allow generators only in certain areas (like RV camping or with a permit), have a system to tag those items upon entry. If generators are outright banned for attendees, any found at check-in can be confiscated and stored (similar to drones), or the attendee can be told to take it back home/off-site. Fuel is another big concern: prohibit large fuel containers unless needed for an RV, and never allow attendees to bring in absurd amounts of gasoline. (Note: festivals typically ban scuba tanks and large propane tanks too, except for RVs or cooking uses, which ties back to fire safety.) Inside the festival, a crew should monitor for any unauthorized generator use. This might be easier to detect by ear – the sound of a generator carries, especially at night. When staff locate a running generator in a place it shouldn’t be, they should politely inform the camper of the policy and ask them to shut it off immediately. In many cases the person might not have realized the rule or thought theirs would go unnoticed; a friendly but firm approach often resolves it. The staff may need to take custody of the generator for the remainder of the event (especially if there’s concern they’ll just restart it later). Ideally, have a check-out tag so they can retrieve it later, as generators are costly items and owners will want them back. Safety personnel should also check that any allowed generators (in RV zones or staff areas) are being operated safely – for example, ensuring no one is running a generator inside a tent or too close to flammable materials. Carbon monoxide awareness is important: remind those using generators (or even charcoal grills) to only operate them in open, ventilated spaces. Even though this may be beyond the direct enforcement scope, it’s part of overall safety to educate people not to asphyxiate themselves or neighbors with fumes. If someone repeatedly violates the generator policy or creates a dangerous situation (like refueling a hot generator in the middle of a crowd), do not hesitate to cut power and confiscate the equipment. Consistency is key: if word spreads that staff is diligently enforcing the generator rules, others will follow them.

Communication: The reasoning behind generator restrictions should be communicated as a mix of safety, environmental, and community comfort reasons. Let attendees know ahead of time via the festival website and ticketing communications what their options will be for power. For example: “This is an off-grid event. To preserve the quiet wilderness atmosphere and ensure safety, personal fuel generators are not allowed for tent campers. Please plan to camp without electricity or use battery packs – we will provide phone charging stations at the info tent from 10am-4pm daily.” Such a message both explains why (mentions the wilderness atmosphere and safety) and gives an alternative. If you do allow small generators with conditions, enumerate those conditions clearly in advance: e.g. “Small inverter generators under 2kW are permitted only in the RV camping zone and must be off during quiet hours.” Also emphasize environmental goals: generators emit greenhouse gases and can leak oil or fuel into the soil; a festival that prides itself on sustainability can appeal to attendees to skip the generator and be part of the eco-friendly effort. During the festival, you might include reminders in any daily newsletters or push notifications (if using an event app or a platform like Ticket Fairy’s communication tools) that reinforce quiet hours and ask attendees to report any issues. By underlining that these rules exist to keep everyone safe (preventing fires and carbon monoxide poisoning) and to maintain a peaceful vibe for all campers, you frame the generator policy as a community agreement rather than an imposed restriction.

Implementing and Upholding the Rules

Having strong policies on paper is important, but consistent implementation and enforcement make them effective. Here are key strategies for festival organizers to ensure drone, fire, and generator rules are respected:

Permit Systems for Special Cases

In some instances, it’s better to allow a tightly controlled exception than to have attendees secretly break rules out of necessity. Setting up a permit system can help. This might include:

• Registered Drones: As discussed, if any drones are to be allowed, require pilots to apply in advance. Collect their qualifications (proof of license or experience) and have them sign agreements on where/when they can fly. Issue visible tags or special wristbands for approved drone operators. This way, security can instantly identify authorized drones, and anyone else flying is clearly in violation. Limit the number of permits and possibly require insurance from the operators to cover any damage.

• Cooking and Fire Permits: For festivals where camp cooking is part of the culture (e.g., a week-long arts festival where participants feed themselves), consider a simple permit or registration for camp stoves. For example, you might have a free online form where attendees declare they are bringing a propane stove or BBQ. In return, provide them guidelines (like “You must have a fire extinguisher or water container at your camp”) and maybe a tag to stick on their stove indicating it’s acknowledged. This isn’t about bureaucracy for its own sake, but it creates a sense of accountability. Meanwhile, absolutely no permits should be granted for open wood campfires in high-risk settings – that line stays firm.

• Power Needs: Offer a way for those with special power needs to reach out. A simple statement like “If you require use of a generator or other high-power devices for medical or accessibility reasons, please contact us to arrange accommodations” goes a long way. Then, handle those on a case-by-case basis. You might designate a quiet corner of the camp for a person with a medical generator, or supply them battery power if possible. By formalizing this, you prevent people from taking matters into their own hands and sneaking in a generator because they felt they had no choice.

The permit approach should be backed by coordination with local authorities. For instance, if a few drones are permitted, inform the local aviation authority or get any needed FAA waivers. If small contained fires are allowed for cultural reasons (perhaps a ceremonial fire at a cultural festival), work with the fire department to grant a permit and have firefighters on standby. These measures ensure that even exceptions are safely managed and within the law.

Confiscation Protocols and Consequences

Confiscation is never a pleasant topic, but it’s often necessary to back up safety rules. Festivals should have a clear protocol for confiscating prohibited items at entry and on-site:

• At Entry Searches: As noted earlier, train your security staff on the specific items to target. They should be polite but firm, explaining to attendees that certain items aren’t allowed. A good practice is to provide a tag-and-check system for higher-value items. For example, if someone forgot about the drone in their car and shows up with it, security can tag it with the attendee’s name/contact, store it in a secure locker or storage area, and give the person a claim ticket to get it back when they leave. This encourages compliance (people are less likely to argue or hide the item if they know they’ll get it back later). For inexpensive contraband like firewood, fireworks, or excess fuel, it’s usually best to confiscate and not return these due to safety; have metal bins or sand-filled barrels to safely stow flammables.

• During the Event: Establish communication channels (radio codes or a hotline) that staff or attendees can use to report prohibited activities (e.g., “I see someone flying a drone at Campsite B” or “There’s a fire pit starting in the northwest corner”). Security or ranger teams should respond swiftly. When confronting an attendee, the staff should always prioritize de-escalation: often a polite request and explanation (“For everyone’s safety, we can’t allow this, and I’ll need to take it”) suffices. If a person resists handing over an item like a drone or insists on keeping their generator running, escalation procedures might include involving a supervisor or law enforcement if needed. Always ensure that staff do not put themselves at risk – for example, if someone refuses to extinguish a fire, the priority is to get festival firefighters or emergency services there, not to have untrained staff tussle with a burning campfire.

• Post-Event Retrieval: If you did store items for attendees, set up a clear process for return. Designate a time and location (e.g. “Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM at the front gate security post”) where people can pick up confiscated items as they depart. Require ID and their claim ticket. Unclaimed items of value should be logged and stored – you may need to arrange shipping to owners if they forget. Most people will retrieve their expensive gear; disposable or dangerous items will likely remain and can be properly disposed of (fireworks soaked in water, fuel given to local authorities to handle, etc.).

• Consequences for Violations: Make it known in your policies what the consequences are for breaking these rules. Typically, the wording in terms and conditions might be: “Violation of these safety policies can result in immediate ejection from the festival and/or involvement of law enforcement, without refund.” Enforcing a removal is a last resort, but festival producers must be willing to do it if someone endangers others. If an incident happens (say a drone flying or a small fire set), you might not always evict the person on a first occurrence if it was genuinely naive behavior and quickly corrected. A stern warning plus confiscation can be sufficient. But if there’s willful or repeated disregard (like someone relighting a fire after being told off, or a drone operator doing prolonged flights), follow through and remove that participant. Other attendees will take notice and generally appreciate the firm stance on safety.

Document all incidents – have your security team write up reports on confiscations and rule violations. This helps after the event to assess how well your policies worked and to handle any follow-up (for example, if someone claims their generator was taken unfairly, you have records).

Communicating the “Why” to Attendees

A recurring theme for success with these rules is communication – specifically, educating attendees about why the rules exist. In the flurry of festival promotions and excitement, don’t neglect the practical info that keeps everyone safe. Here’s how to get the message across effectively:

• Pre-sale and Ticketing Info: The moment someone decides to attend, they should be informed of major do’s and don’ts. Include a prominent mention on the ticketing page or confirmation email about prohibited items like drones, fires, etc. For example, Ticket Fairy’s platform allows festival organizers to customize attendee emails – this is an excellent place to add a friendly “Know Before You Go” section highlighting these key policies. Setting the expectation early means fewer surprises at the gate.

• Festival Website FAQ/Guide: Maintain an updated FAQ on the official site or event guide that includes a section on “Prohibited Items and Safety Policies.” Don’t just list the items – add a sentence or two explaining each in plain language. (“Why no drones? They can be hazardous to crowds and are against aviation rules, so leave them at home.”) When people understand the rationale, compliance increases.

• Social Media and Community Forums: In the lead-up to the festival, use social media to broadcast important rules in a positive way. For instance, a post or infographic about “Top 5 things NOT to bring to [FestivalName]” can get attention. Include drones, campfires, and generators on that list, phrased in a light but clear manner. If the festival has a community forum or Facebook group for attendees, pin a post about these rules and encourage experienced attendees to discuss how they manage without campfires or generators – peer advice can help newcomers learn alternatives.

• On-Site Signage and Reminders: Once people are on location, signage reinforces the rules. Place banners at the entrance like “Welcome to [FestivalName]! Remember: No personal drones, no open flames, no unauthorized generators. Let’s all stay safe and respect the land.” At info kiosks or by the camping areas, remind folks about quiet hours and where to charge devices. Some festivals hand out a little booklet or put info on the back of the festival map handed to each attendee; this can include a brief section on safety rules. Additionally, periodic public address announcements or stage screen messages can help (“It’s a hot afternoon – please remember that campfires are not allowed, and use of personal generators is restricted. Stay safe and ask a Ranger if you have questions.”).

• Tone and Transparency: Throughout all communications, keep an empathetic and transparent tone. Avoid coming off as merely authoritarian. Instead of “These are the rules, follow them or else,” frame it as “We’re all here to have a great time – here’s how we keep each other safe.” Share any relevant context: if your venue is on tribal land or a protected forest, emphasize the trust the community has placed in the festival to care for that land. If local wildfire conditions are extreme, mention that (“This region hasn’t seen rain in months, so fire danger is critical – your cooperation is essential”). When attendees grasp the importance, they often become allies in enforcement, gently reminding their friends or neighbors of the rules too.

By combining clear communication, sensible exceptions via permits, and fair but firm enforcement, festival organizers can successfully manage the challenges that attendee drones, campfires, and generators bring. The payoff is huge – avoiding accidents, preserving the environment, and ensuring the festival can continue in that beautiful remote location year after year.

Key Takeaways

• Establish Clear No-Drone Policies: For the vast majority of festivals, attendee-operated drones should be prohibited due to safety, privacy, and legal reasons. If any drone use is allowed, require advance registration and tightly control it. Clearly announce the festival as a “No Drone Zone” in all materials.

• Ban Uncontrolled Fires: In remote outdoor settings, open flames like campfires, fire pits, or fireworks must typically be banned to prevent wildfires and accidents. Offer safe alternatives (communal supervised fire or designated cooking areas) if feasible. Communicate that protecting lives and the local environment is the priority.

• Restrict Generator Use: Personal generators can be a hazard and nuisance. Many festivals ban them outright in tent camping; others allow only small, quiet units with fuel limits in certain areas (like RV camps). Encourage alternatives for personal power needs. Always enforce quiet hours and proper generator safety if they are permitted at all.

• Work with Authorities: Align your policies with local laws and permits. Fire marshals, environmental agencies, and aviation authorities may have regulations you must follow (such as fire bans or drone flight restrictions). Secure any necessary permits for exceptions (e.g., a firefighting team’s approval for a controlled bonfire, or an FAA waiver for an official drone).

• Thoroughly Train and Equip Staff: Security and safety teams should know exactly what to look for during entry searches (drones, large fuel cans, fireworks, etc.) and how to safely confiscate these items. Provide tools like fire extinguishers for camp patrols and communication devices to report issues. Staff should also be coached in positive communication to defuse situations when enforcing rules.

• Permit Special Cases: Implement a permit or permission system for legitimate needs – such as drones for accredited media, or generators for medical equipment. This ensures those uses are known, monitored, and as safe as possible, without opening the floodgates for everyone.

• Confiscation & Consequences: Have a clear plan for handling prohibited items: confiscate at the gate and store items securely for later return if appropriate. Don’t shy away from ejecting attendees who flagrantly or repeatedly violate critical safety rules, as this could save your event from disaster. Make sure this is outlined in your ticket terms so attendees are forewarned.

• Educate Attendees (Communicate Why): Proactively educate your audience about why these rules exist. Use websites, emails, social posts, and on-site signage to get the message out. When people understand that drones can shut down a festival or a single ember can start a forest fire, they’re more likely to comply and even help enforce the rules socially.

• Safety and Sustainability Branding: Frame your policies as part of the festival’s ethos of safety, respect, and environmental responsibility. This turns rules into a shared value system. Attendees are more willing to follow guidelines when they feel it’s contributing to the greater good of the community and location.

By planning ahead and taking these measures, festival producers can sleep easier (perhaps even literally, without the buzz of generators!) knowing that attendee actions won’t inadvertently compromise the festival. In remote locations especially, it only takes one drone, one flame, or one engine to create a serious incident. Wise festival organizers hope for the best but plan for these worst-case scenarios – and in doing so, they cultivate an event culture where everyone looks out for each other and the land we gather on. That is the kind of festival legacy that will stand the test of time.