Aviation Events.
We can offer advice and assistance for different aviation based events from ground shows with one or two aircraft displays or fly pasts, to full International Air Shows. We were the event site (ground operations on the airport) Safety Consultants for the RAFA Shoreham Air Show for more than 15 years and advisors to the Southend Air Show for over 10 years. We have worked at the Victory Show in Leicestershire since 2011 providing all their ground safety services and emergency planning for both the ground event, and in conjunction with the Flying Display Director, for the temporary airfield and flying display.
We offer a full service covering all aspects of Safety and Emergency Planning including advising, or chairing multi-agency meetings, delivering exercises to validate the plans, event radio controllers and on-site Safety Officers to oversee the show build, show days and the load out. If the event is on an active airfield we liaise closely with the Airport Authority on keeping safe separation between event staff, contractors and aircraft, ensuring as little disruption to normal activity as possible, yet keeping everyone safe.
In 2016 we worked closely with Cranfield University, Cranfield Airport and Great British Air Shows to successfully deliver the first Air Show at Cranfield in many years. We undertook all the event safety and emergency planning arrangements for both the Open Doors and Festival of Flight events in September.
We work to various CAA Civil Aviation Publications – CAP 403, CAP 168 and CAP 793.
ASESS Consultancy Aviation Events.
RAFA Shoreham Air Show (1995-2015) including the management of the consequences of the tragic accident in August 2015. Cranfield Festival of Flight (2016) Southend Air Show (2000-2012), The Victory Show (2011-2024) Rougham Air Show (2004-2011) and shows at Lydd, Chailey, Bentwaters (2010), Tibbenham (2012), Spanhoe, Worthing Seafront Fayre, Wessex Air Pageant (2002-2007), Swindon Show and Red Bull Air Race (London)
In addition, we have provided risk assessments for Thruxton Rescue & Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) and managed safety at both helipads and temporary unlicensed airfields on event sites.
Country & Agricultural Shows.
There are a number of unique risks with this type of event, including animal safety, management of zoonotic diseases, risks around animal handling as well as all the ‘normal’ risks around a large event including the safe use of marquees and temporary structures, crowd management, fire safety and responding effectively to incidents that occur. These events often have a number of arenas with a variety of entertainment and attractions including motor cycle display teams, horse riding stunt teams, pony club events, dog team displays and even dancing JCB’s! They are often held on agricultural land, so there is an increased risk from the terrain for visitors especially the elderly or those with wheelchairs or children in buggies.
TRACTOR TED
ASESS Consultancy is proud to have been Tractor Ted’s Safety Officer. We also advised on the build of the Tractor Ted’s Little Farm at Bowood House and provided the risk assessments and safety advice both prior to, and on the opening of this fabulous new permanent attraction.
ASESS have also provided services at the Kent County Show, The Smallholders Show and the West Suffolk Show.
Music Festivals
ASESS have provided a full safety service, including appearing on behalf of our client at a number of Licensing application hearings, and at numerous music events and festivals across England.
We work closely with the Security Provider, Medical Provider and on-site fire response to ensure that the event is as safe and enjoyable as possible. Music Festivals are relaxed and carefree for the visitors and stressful for the Organisers, we aim to ease that burden and help with all aspects of safety planning and delivering a safe and enjoyable event.
Multi-agency planning is usually a big part of this type of event and that is an area that we know well and have a particular expertise. See our section on Training and Experience.
ASESS provided a full service to Music Festivals in Suffolk (Waveform and Go Ape in the Country) and at Knebworth (Go Wild in the Country). We have also provided an event radio controller and emergency manager to the Metal – Village Green Festival at Southend (2012-2019)
Since 2014 we have provided full safety services to various music events in Maldon, Southend, Portland and Grays
2017 to 2024 saw further new music festivals with a range of musical genre across Essex with multiple events in Southend, Basildon, Chelmsford and Maldon. ASESS have provided the safety and emergency planning for these events as well as an on-site Safety Officer.
ASESS are also Safety Advisors to the very popular Ravertots events in Southend, Maldon and Reading (2017-2024)
Many other venues have included a music element (Music Tent or a stage in a beer tent) that we have managed as part of the larger event.
Steam Rallies & Vehicle Shows.
We have provided Safety Officers at National Traction Engine Trust (NTET) authorised steam rallies for a number of years and are well versed in the NTET requirements. These events pose some unusual risks but they can be easily managed with a sensible, pragmatic approach. The aim is to provide a safe day out for those exhibiting their vehicles, those working on the showground and for the public visiting the show. These shows are often held on agricultural land and this can pose additional problems.
At other Events we have dealt with the safety aspects of large numbers of Military vehicles, tractors and classic cars including Wings, Wheels & Steam (West Suffolk Showground) 2004-2010, West Suffolk Show 2011 and Ploughs to Propellers (2005-2010) as well as steam, classic cars and classic commercial vehicle exhibits at the Wessex Show and the Swindon Show. The RAFA Shoreham Air Show also had a large exhibition of classic cars, motorcycles, buses and Military vehicles each year.
Equestrian Events
Our experience with equestrian events is varied and includes managing safety at Show Jumping competitions at a number of Country Shows including the Frome Cheese Show.
We have provided services at Carriage Driving Trials at Stanmer Park, Brighton and at Normanshurst, near Catfield in East Sussex. Both events have attracted an International field of competitors and include a gruelling cross country marathon. HRH Prince Phillip was a regular competitor at Stanmer Park. In August 2013 we supplied safety support to a new event at Normanshurst for a regional carriage driving competition.
Since 2014 we have provided safety and medical services to the British Indoor Carriage Driving Championship Natonal Championship Finals as well as other carriage driving events in Kent, Wiltshire and Sussex We have also undertaken a review of safety and medical cover for the Indoor Horse Driving Trials UK which is the umbrella organisation for over 100 local and regional Carriage Driving events across the UK, and have been pleased to provide a generic risk assessment for the clubs to use.
We have been Safety Advisors to the Cowdray Park Polo Club at Midhurst for a number of years for the Gold Cup Final (2006-2024) and we provide a match day Safety Manager for the Semi-Finals and Finals Days, undertaking safety inspections around the site, including a busy helipad, prior to the event. During the match, we provide a tactical advisor/emergency manager who operates from the Event Control and oversees all aspects of Safety Management and advises the Event Organiser.
See the Photo Gallery below.
At a number of other Shows, where we have provided safety services, we have managed safety at various equestrian attractions including stunt riders, Pony Club events and carriage rides.
Other Events
ASESS provides their services at a wide variety of events across the UK including the Bowood Dog Show & Summer Fair (2011-2015) which has also included the Tractor Ted’s Farm Show (2011-2014)
We have not just been there for big events like the annual RAFA Shoreham Air Show, indeed many of our clients operate much smaller, low key events but safety is just as important. Over the years we have offered advice and support to many varied smaller events including Carnival processions, charity events, seafront fayres, firework displays and fun fairs.
We tailor our services to your needs and to the size and complexity of the event. We believe our pricing structure is extremely competitive and we try and reduce costs whenever possible, often combining pre-event visits to your event site with visits to another event site thereby reducing the cost to both clients. We are happy to discuss a fixed price package so you know exactly what the costs will be.
Accidents can happen anywhere, it is your responsibility as the Organiser to have assessed the risk, reduced it where possible and planned how you will manage the consequences if it does happen – the reputation, and future of your event may depend on it!
We are here to help.
Special Events
This show is a tribute to those who fought in World War 2 and brings together re-enactors in authentic uniforms, with actual vehicles and fire power from the 1939-1945 period. The Show covers many theatres of war and typically has both Allied and Axis re-enactment groups displayed in trenches, foxholes and camps giving a surreal atmosphere to the beautiful Leicestershire countryside. The show, on Saturday and Sunday, also has a full-scale battle re-enactment with tanks, artillery, infantry and some high explosive pyrotechnic effects! Following the battle, there is an air show over the temporary airstrip put in for the event with Warbirds, including Spitfires, Hurricanes, Dakota and other World War 2 aircraft landing on site. The Show has also featured a parachute drop from a DC-3 aircraft using round canopies similar to those used on D-Day.
On the Friday of the show, hundreds of school children descend on the site for a living history lesson on life during those times.
ASESS Consultancy provides the Safety Officer and all the safety services for this event, including the temporary airstrip, in a package that we have delivered each year since 2011 and we will be there for this year’s Show on August 30th to September 1st 2024.
Is your event complex?
Does it have many elements?
Is the location difficult for access and egress?
Is it growing and you now need professional help and advice?
Have you experienced difficulties getting a licence for your event?
Are the local emergency services or Council asking more questions about your event?
We may be able to offer you a solution or helpful advice.
Email us to arrange a free telephone consultation airshowsafety@aol.com or info@saferevents.co.uk
The pictures below were taken at the Cowdray Park Polo, Gold Cup Final 2013
