New Fund Launched to Improve Crowd Safety at Events

The Event Safety Alliance (ESA) has unveiled a dedicated fund to support projects focused on preventing crowd crush incidents, an issue that came to global attention after the 2021 Astroworld tragedy in Houston, Texas, where 10 people lost their lives and hundreds more were injured during a crowd surge.

The Crowd Safety Fund, launched in collaboration with the families of Astroworld victims, will provide financial support to research and technology projects designed to reduce the risk of crowd crushes and related safety incidents at concerts, festivals, and large-scale events.

Backed by Victims’ Families and Industry Stakeholders

The fund is supported by the families of Axel Acosta and Rudy Peña, two young men who lost their lives at Astroworld. Their relatives have publicly voiced their commitment to pushing for stronger safety measures across the live events industry.

The Event Safety Alliance, known for providing educational resources and advocating for industry standards, will manage the fund and determine which projects receive support.

In a statement, ESA President Jim Digby highlighted that the fund is not about blame, but about ensuring no other families endure the same loss. “It’s time we invest in safer environments and equip organisers with the tools they need to protect fans,” he said.

Why It Matters for UK Organisers

While this initiative is based in the US, it reflects a wider shift in the industry’s attitude toward safety and risk mitigation, something UK event organisers can’t afford to overlook. Public and regulatory expectations around crowd control, emergency planning, and on-site safety continue to grow.

For those promoting or managing high-capacity events, the message is clear: robust crowd management planning isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a core responsibility and a growing area of public and legal scrutiny.

Practical Steps for Organisers

Event organisers in the UK can take proactive steps now by:

• Reviewing and updating crowd management plans
• Conducting thorough risk assessments ahead of every event
• Investing in staff training and communication systems
• Considering independent safety audits for large-scale events
• Using tech to monitor entrances to prevent overcrowding and the use of fraudulent tickets (Learn how RapidScan works and how it can help by watching our step-by-step video guide)

We will continue to monitor developments in crowd safety and support organisers with the resources and tools needed to create secure, well-managed live experiences. Stay up to date by bookmarking the Promotion Centre Blog and by following us on Instagram and LinkedIn.