Introduction
Safety and consent have become non-negotiable pillars of modern festival culture. Whether it’s a boutique drum & bass weekender or a massive EDM carnival, producers worldwide recognize that a clear Code of Conduct is essential to protect attendees from issues like drink spiking, harassment, and privacy invasions. Alarmingly, surveys indicate that about one in five festival-goers – and an even higher 43% of young female attendees – have faced unwanted sexual harassment or assault at UK festivals (www.theguardian.com). These realities have driven festivals from London to Los Angeles, Barcelona to Brisbane, to adopt stronger safety measures. A “Bass-Safe” Code of Conduct isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a commitment to fostering a safe, respectful environment on and off the dancefloor.
In this guide, we break down how festival organizers can implement a comprehensive Code of Conduct addressing spiking, filming, and consent. From pre-event communication to on-site enforcement and post-event transparency, each step is crucial. The advice here draws on real-world successes (and lessons from failures) across the global bass music scene, providing actionable tactics for events of any scale.
Publish a Plain-Language Code of Conduct Everywhere
A Code of Conduct is only effective if attendees actually see and understand it. Festival producers should create a short, easy-to-understand code that clearly states the rules and expected behavior regarding consent, harassment, and safety. Avoid legalese or buried fine print – use plain language and bullet points for clarity. For example, New Zealand’s Splore Festival explicitly states “Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. Inappropriate sexual behaviour of any kind is not welcome” and warns that violators may be removed (www.splore.net). This kind of unambiguous wording sets the tone from the start.
Once written, plaster that code everywhere it matters. Include it on your ticketing page and print a brief version on physical or e-tickets (e.g. “By attending, you agree to our Code of Conduct: no harassment, no non-consensual contact, no spiking.”). Ticket Fairy’s platform, for instance, allows festival organizers to add custom messages or terms during checkout and on tickets – a perfect place to affirm your code. Use the festival app and website to showcase the full Code of Conduct in a prominent section, ideally with a one-click link labeled “Festival Code of Conduct”. On site, display signage at entry gates, info booths, bar areas, and near stages reminding everyone of the rules. A concise poster with statements like “Respect Consent,” “No Drink Spiking,” and “No Intrusive Filming” can be highly effective. The key is repetition: if attendees see the message consistently, they’ll know you’re serious.
Case in point: at a Spanish electronic festival in 2024, organizers worked with authorities to distribute a simplified anti-harassment code on flyers and screen graphics, making sure even international guests understood the policy. The result was increased reporting of incidents and praise from attendees for the festival’s proactive communication. The lesson: make your code of conduct highly visible and crystal clear, so it becomes part of the event’s culture.
Train Staff and Artists to Champion Consent Culture
A Bass-Safe festival culture starts from the top. All staff, security, volunteers – and yes, even artists – should be trained and encouraged to model consent-friendly behavior. Many festivals have begun training their teams on how to respond to harassment and assault reports, often in partnership with expert organizations. This training should cover recognizing signs of someone in distress (e.g. a guest who may have been spiked or is being harassed), how to intervene safely, and how to support victims. Leading events in Canada, the UK, and Australia have brought in programs like the Good Night Out Campaign or local sexual violence resource centers to educate their crews before the gates open. The payoff is huge: staff who know what to do will react with confidence and compassion rather than confusion. In fact, some festivals are now ensuring that every crew member, from ticket scanners to stage managers, gets a briefing on the Code of Conduct and their role in enforcing it.
Artists and performers hold unique influence over the crowd, so get them onboard too. Encourage DJs and MCs to use a moment during their set to promote a positive, consent-minded atmosphere. A simple shout-out like, “We’re all here to have a good time – look out for each other and respect personal boundaries!” can reinforce the message powerfully. Some artists have even halted performances to call out harassment in the crowd – a famous example is when the lead singer of Architects stopped a show to scold an audience member for groping a crowd-surfer (apnews.com). Big-name acts like Drake have also paused concerts to tell off fans who were behaving inappropriately (apnews.com). These incidents get press attention, but more importantly they signal to everyone that consent is being actively watched and defended from the stage.
To facilitate artist involvement, festival organizers can brief performers beforehand about the Code of Conduct and provide sample language they might use. Some festivals even include a clause in artist contracts about supporting the event’s safety policies. While not every DJ will deliver a mini-speech on consent, many are happy to lend their voice with a quick reminder or by wearing merch that supports safe spaces. The goal is a unified front: staff and artists together setting the expectation that harassing or predatory behavior has no place at the festival. By creating this top-down culture of respect, you make it far more likely that attendees will internalize and follow the code as well.
Establish Clear Reporting Channels for Attendees
Even with preventive measures, issues can arise. The difference between a minor incident and a major tragedy often hinges on how quickly and effectively staff respond. That’s why it’s crucial to set up easy and confidential reporting channels for attendees to flag any problems – whether it’s a suspected spiking, an incident of harassment, or an unsafe situation. Make it as straightforward as possible for someone to get help. Multiple channels are ideal: for instance, provide a phone number or SMS line (printed on wristbands or signs) that goes directly to event control or security. Many events use text-based systems because they allow discreet reporting – a guest who feels unsafe might not be able to walk to a security post, but they can send a quick text for help.
If your festival has an official mobile app (or is using a ticketing app like Ticket Fairy), integrate a “Report an Incident” feature. This could be as simple as a button that connects to a live chat with staff or opens a form to submit a report (with optional anonymity). At the very least, the app can list emergency contact numbers and onsite safety locations. During pre-event communications (emails, social media), inform attendees how they can reach out if they need assistance at the show. Reiterate these options on site via large banners: e.g. “Need help? Text 1234 for immediate assistance” or “Report any harassment or spiking: visit the Safety Tent by the main stage.”.
Equally important is having a welfare or safety center physically present on the festival grounds. Set up a clearly marked tent or booth (using a bright color and signage like “SAFE SPACE” or “Help Center”) where trained staff are available. Festival-goers should know that they can approach this area if they or a friend are feeling unsafe, unwell, or need to report something. Some festivals even create “chill out” or sanctuary spaces staffed with volunteers who can care for people who might be vulnerable (for example, someone who suspects their drink was spiked can be brought to a quiet area and monitored by medics while the incident is investigated).
A shining example comes from Canada’s Bass Coast Festival, which not only established a dedicated consent crew but also partnered with an online platform called REES (Respect, Educate, Empower Survivors) to handle reports. Through REES, festival-goers, performers, and crew can file an incident report during or after the event, and the system connects them with support resources (basscoast.ca). By leveraging such tools, Bass Coast made reporting more accessible and less intimidating. The bottom line: advertise your reporting channels widely and make sure every staff member knows how to escalate a report. When festival attendees see that it’s easy to get help, they’re more likely to speak up, which means problems can be resolved before they escalate.
Deploy a Visible and Responsive Safety Team
Hand-in-hand with clear reporting is the need for a visible response team. Attendees feel safer when they can immediately spot who to turn to for help. Many festivals now employ specialized safety crews or welfare teams whose sole job is to handle incidents of harassment, consent violations, or spiking. These team members often wear distinctive clothing – for example, bright pink vests or shirts with slogans like “Here to Help” – making them easy to find even in a crowded arena. Make sure this team is briefed on the Code of Conduct and empowered to act on it. That means if they witness someone behaving in a predatory or dangerous way, they can step in on the spot.
Your safety team should coordinate closely with security and medical staff. For instance, if a report comes in about a possible drink spiking, the team can quickly escort the affected person to medical care and simultaneously alert security to locate the suspect drink or individual responsible. Quick, visible action sends a strong message: violators will be caught and dealt with. It’s worth noting that in some countries law enforcement may have a presence at large festivals – make sure your team knows how to work with police if a serious criminal incident (like verified assault or confirmed spiking) occurs. However, for most consent or harassment issues, a well-trained internal team can resolve the situation by removing the offender and assisting the victim without immediately resorting to police involvement, which some attendees might be hesitant about.
Visibility isn’t just about uniforms – it’s also about communication. Have your MCs or stage hosts periodically remind the crowd who the safety team is (“If you need ANY help, look for the folks in the yellow Safety Crew shirts or go to the white tent by the DJ stage.”). Many events publish a quick blurb in the festival program or app introducing the safety/welfare team, sometimes even with a photo or icon. This normalizes seeking them out. At night, ensure these team members have flashlights or glow gear to stand out. A roaming approach works well: rather than clustering at one spot, the safety team should circulate through dance floors, camping areas, and quieter corners keeping an eye out for anyone in distress.
One successful example is Shambhala Music Festival in British Columbia, which has long had a dedicated “Safer Spaces” team on duty. They roam the grounds and are trained in harm reduction and consent issues, creating a watchful but friendly presence. Similarly, at events in the UK like Boomtown and Reading Festival, organizers increased the number of female security staff and placed welfare volunteers in crowds after reports of harassment spiked – leading to more people coming forward for help in those environments. The lesson for organizers is clear: invest in a team that is highly visible, approachable, and ready to act. This not only deters would-be offenders (who realize someone is observing), but also gives attendees peace of mind that support is at hand.
Set and Enforce Rules on Intrusive Filming
In the age of smartphone cameras, festivals need to consider privacy and consent when it comes to filming and photography. Bass music events are all about freedom of expression – people dress wild, dance harder, and sometimes get emotional – but that doesn’t mean they consent to be recorded by strangers. Make your stance on intrusive filming part of the Code of Conduct. This can include rules like “Always ask before photographing or filming someone up close” and “No unwelcome recording of individuals for prolonged periods.” While you probably can’t (and don’t need to) ban phones entirely, you can discourage behavior like filming someone who clearly objects, or live-streaming people without their knowledge. Emphasize that consent applies to cameras too.
Some forward-thinking festivals and venues already have policies on photography. For instance, New Zealand’s Kiwiburn (a Burning Man-style event) explicitly requires attendees to get consent from anyone they film or photograph, to protect participants’ privacy (kiwiburn.com). Adopting a similar ethos at bass music festivals can help everyone feel more comfortable. Consider designating certain areas as “no camera zones” – for example, chill-out spaces or near first aid and welfare tents (where people might be in vulnerable states). Clearly signpost these zones with a simple message: “Privacy Area – No Filming or Photos.” This signals to attendees that whipping out their phone here would violate the community guidelines.
It’s also important to set expectations for what happens if someone is caught violating the filming rules. For example, if an attendee is reported for aggressively filming women dancing despite being asked to stop, your staff should intervene and give a warning or ask them to leave if needed. For more extreme cases (like someone deliberately filming nudity or a medical emergency), there should be zero tolerance – immediate ejection from the festival. Let attendees know about these consequences upfront by including it in the posted Code of Conduct (“Those who violate others’ privacy or consent when filming may be removed from the event”). This isn’t about policing casual selfies or recording your favorite DJ’s drop; it’s about stopping voyeuristic or non-consensual recording that can make people feel unsafe. By clearly drawing this line, you create an environment where people can enjoy the music without fear of ending up on someone’s unwanted video.
Finally, communicate the filming policy to your official media team and artists’ photographers too. Ensure they avoid crowd close-ups that could identify individuals without permission. Professional media should be badged and briefed on asking subject consent for any personal or portrait-style shots. When the community sees that even your camera operators are respecting boundaries, they’ll be more likely to follow suit. Remember: a festival is a temporary world with its own rules – if privacy and consent are part of those rules, it will shape attendees’ behavior for the better.
Close the Loop with Post-Event Transparency
The commitment to a Bass-Safe environment shouldn’t end when the last bassline drops. One of the most impactful steps a festival organizer can take is to follow up after the event with transparency about how safety issues were handled. This means sharing anonymous, aggregated statistics and outcomes related to your Code of Conduct. For example, you might publish a short post-event report or social media post thanking attendees and noting, “We’re proud that out of 20,000 attendees, there were 15 reported harassment incidents. Our response team intervened in all 15 cases, resulting in 5 attendee removals and ensuring support for those affected.” By providing such data, you demonstrate accountability – it tells your audience that the Code of Conduct wasn’t just lip service, but actively enforced.
Closing the loop in this way has several benefits. First, it builds trust with your festival community. Attendees (and artists, and sponsors) see that you take safety seriously and are willing to be open about challenges. Second, it helps improve future efforts – by analyzing what happened, you can identify patterns (e.g. if most incidents happened in a particular area or during a certain headliner’s set, etc.) and adjust for next time. Third, it encourages more reporting in the future: when people know their voices led to action, they’re more likely to speak up again if something goes wrong. It can be as simple as a blog post or email newsletter recap. Highlight any positive outcomes too, such as “Thanks to our new drink testing kits, we detected and prevented 3 potential spiking attempts” or “90% of survey respondents said they felt the festival was a safe space for them.” Sharing these wins reinforces the importance of the measures you put in place.
Internally, make sure to debrief with your staff and the safety team after the festival. Gather their feedback on what procedures worked or what needs refining. This information can be included (in broad strokes) in your transparency report. For instance, “We’re investing in additional lighting in the camping area and adding more roaming guardians next year based on what we learned.” Such commitments show that the Code of Conduct is an evolving, living promise – continually updated to better serve the festival family. In a world where attendees are increasingly conscious of safety and consent, this kind of openness can even be a competitive advantage. It tells people that your festival isn’t just about bass drops, but also about looking out for each other every step of the way.
Key Takeaways
- Make the Code Visible: Write a concise, plain-language Code of Conduct covering consent, harassment, and safety. Display it prominently on tickets, the event website/app, and on signs throughout the venue for maximum awareness.
- Lead by Example: Train your staff, security, and volunteers in handling harassment or spiking incidents, and encourage artists to promote consent culture from the stage. A united front sets the tone that disrespectful behavior won’t be tolerated.
- Easy Reporting: Provide multiple reporting channels (text hotline, app feature, in-person help desks) so attendees can quickly and discreetly get help. Ensure there’s a well-publicized way for anyone to report issues or ask for assistance at any time.
- Safety Team Onsite: Deploy a clearly identifiable safety/welfare team dedicated to responding to Code of Conduct violations. Their visible presence and swift action both help deter offenders and reassure attendees that help is at hand.
- Respect Privacy: Implement rules against intrusive filming or photography without consent. Let attendees know that violating others’ privacy (e.g. unwanted recording) is against the rules and can result in removal from the event.
- Follow Through: After the festival, share anonymized statistics on incidents and how they were addressed. This transparency proves your commitment to a safe environment and helps improve strategies for the next event.
By embedding these practices, bass music festival organizers can create an atmosphere where everyone – from hardcore drum & bass heads to first-time ravers – feels safe, respected, and free to enjoy the music. A Bass-Safe Code of Conduct isn’t just about preventing bad behavior; it’s about actively shaping a positive, consent-conscious community on the dance floor. When done right, it transforms festivals from mere parties into truly inclusive celebratory spaces where the only thing getting dropped is the bass – never the standards of respect and safety.
27th September 2025