In our latest Industry Spotlight, we have a quick chat to Jon Drape – director of several high-profile UK festivals including Parklife and Festival No.6 and Group Production Director of Broadwick Live. Festival Safe is an initiative designed by festival organisers, industry professionals and the emergency services who feel strongly about the lack of vital information readily available for both first-time and regular festival goers to help prevent incidents both big and small from occurring at festivals.
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Talk to us about the challenges of pulling this together?
It was trying to get the right information together in the right language that would appeal and be understood by the different target groups. We undertook some focus groups so we have hopefully got it right.
Personally, given your vast experiences, what does Festival Safe mean to you?
I care passionately about festivals and I’m also in a position of responsibility so that in essence I am responsible for every single person on any one of our Festival sites. I’m also a Father of two girls who enjoy festivals very much and I felt I could make a change to people’s behaviour.
What are your goals for the future of the product?
I’d like the site develop into the ‘go to’ site for help, information and advice for everyone planning on going to a festival.
What was the initial reception from industry insiders towards helping out?
Bloody amazing, every single person I’ve spoken to from big players to small independent festivals has been overwhelmingly supportive.
How can others get involved?
Emailing Kate [email protected]
What have been some great career highlights for you?
Being involved in the launch and evolution of some much loved festivals such as Parklife, Festival No.6 and bluedot.
What motivates you, outside of work, think specific places and people?
Family & Festivals.
For more information, visit: https://www.festivalsafe.com/
