Festivals and events are at the cultural core of Cumbria. Whether it’s Kendal Calling or the Westmorland County Show, they draw thousands of visitors every year. However, where there is a great crowd, there is also risk.
Across the country, approximately 39% of violent offences in England and 49% in Wales are alcohol-related, Alcohol Change UK says. In Cumbria, local police issue seasonal peaks in theft, disorder, and antisocial behaviour around summer and autumn events.
With 2025 poised to be a record-breaking festival year for Cumbria, event organisers are facing increasing pressure to ensure the safety of visitors, staff, and venues.
This is where security guarding services in Cumbria step in, providing visible deterrence, trained response, and peace of mind. This blog explores how security guarding services secure events and festivals in Cumbria.
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The Importance of Security Guarding Services in Cumbria’s Festivals and Public Events
Festivals and mass events in Cumbria are underpinned by real threats such as crowd pressure, theft, and disorder due to alcohol consumption. According to the Cumbria PPC report, between April 2024 and March 2025, total crime increased by 4.3% compared to the previous year.
Shoplifting, theft from a person, and antisocial behaviour often peak at significant events. Organisers not just lose income but also reputation when things get out of control. That’s why hiring security guards as a front-line defence exhibits a visible deterrent and a prompt response. In 2024, Cumbria Constabulary used drug detection dogs and conducted on-site patrols at Kendal Calling to address crime.
AmbleFest 2025 – A Case for Professional Event Security
One of the most anticipated events of the year is AmbleFest 2025, taking place from September 26 to 28 in Ambleside. The event honours craft beer, street food, and live music, attracting thousands of visitors.
With liquor on tap and people packing in, threats multiply by disorder near bars, pickpocketing in busy areas and gate issues at entry.
Manned guarding firms can intervene to:
- Secure access with ticket and bag searches.
- Patrol the festival site and car parks.
- Coordinate with police and emergency squads.
- Offer prompt response in the event of medical or security emergencies.
By partnering with a security company in Cumbria, AmbleFest can bring both fun and security.
Other September Highlights – Protecting Cumbria’s Biggest Events
Westmorland County Show (10 September 2025)
A cornerstone of rural Cumbria, this show includes animal competitions, horse riding demonstrations, and local handicrafts. But combining large numbers and live animals poses special challenges. In this show, manned security services provide:
- Safe passage of crowds through animal sections.
- Secure management of VIP areas and trade booths.
- Quick response to incidents or missing children.
Taste Cumbria Food Festival (Late September 2025)
A family event in Cockermouth, Taste Cumbria, draws food enthusiasts from around the area. With crowded stalls and family crowds, threats include pickpocketing, antisocial behaviour near licensed areas, and overcrowding. Manned security services complement:
- Smooth visitor flow.
- Theft prevention.
- Family safety in crowded areas.
Every event requires a specific security guarding service. What suits a rural show does not suit a music festival. The one thing in common: trained guards head off trouble before it arises.
Rising Crime Trends at UK and Cumbria Events
In the UK, alcohol is involved in around 39% of violent offences—up to 49% within Wales. GOV UK indicate 12.4% of theft, 18.1% of burglary, and 20.6% of criminal damage are alcohol-related; public disorder escalates at significant events.
Cumbria PPC reports claims that Crime in Cumbria increased by 4.3% this year. Key event-adjacent risks include an 8.3% spike in shoplifting, a 2.9% rise in domestic abuse, and an 8% uptick in violence against the person.
Anti-social behaviour has decreased by 21.4%, attributed to focused patrols at festival hotspots; however, theft from individuals, shoplifting, and violence at event grounds continue, particularly during the peak summer/autumn seasons in Ambleside, Westmorland, and the Lake District.
How Event Organisers Can Deploy the Best Manned Guarding Services
Experienced, uniformed guard who actively observes, patrols, and acts—so much more than CCTV or crowd barriers. Event organisers should employ manned guarding services to ensure safer festivals and events.
Manage Entry Points
Security guards and mobile patrols are deployed to manage entry points, ID checks and issue access wristbands.
Use Ground Patrols
Guards patrolling crowds to monitor suspicious activity and likely flashpoints, particularly around bars and main stages.
Crowd Monitoring Support
Technologically supported security personnel assist in controlling flows and responding to situations where crowds overwhelm or crises occur.
Execute Quick Incident Responses
Security guards address medical situations, altercations, lost kids, and remove bothersome visitors before escalation.
Protect Multi-Day Events
For events such as AmbleFest, security mobile patrols conduct night patrols to avoid late-night theft or vandalism.
Apart from event organisers, business owners should also hire security guards to protect their premises in Cumbria.
Explore our blog to know ‘What Every Local Business Owner Should Know About Hiring Security Guards in Cumbria’.
Successful Event Security Deployment in Cumbria
During a major Cumbria food festival in 2024, organisers were faced with issues including pickpocketing, drunkenness, and trespassing. With the assistance of an experienced manned guarding security services contractor, they implemented stringent entry screening, mobile patrols, and direct liaison with the police, resulting in a 60% reduction in reported incidents, enhanced visitor confidence, and positive feedback from guests.
Building Safer Events with Security Guarding Services
Festivals and events are crucial to the economy and culture of Cumbria. But their success relies on safety. Increasing trends in crime, such as drink-related disorder, theft, and antisocial behaviour, indicate that just using volunteers or tech-only systems is not sufficient.
That’s why at Region Security Guarding, our experts deliver tailored manned guarding services. Our security guard services provide the visibility, professionalism, and swift response that contemporary events require.
Whether it is Ambleside’s AmbleFest or the Westmorland County Show, our manned guarding guarantees visitors depart with wonderful memories, not adverse publicity.
Contact us today to engage the services of professional security guards and ensure your event runs smoothly and safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is ‘manned security’ for events?
Manned guarding services involve professionally trained guards at the event, who patrol and proactively monitor the area, responding accordingly to deter crime and disorder that CCTV alone cannot.
2. Why are manned security services in Cumbria essential for festivals?
With an increasing rate of theft (more than 8% this year) and ongoing violent crimes, locally trained security guards provide essential deterrence, response to incidents, and positive protection at large Lake District events.
3. What kinds of events are most helped by security guarding services?
Music festivals, food festivals, rural shows, and any significant event that attracts crowds and presents high-value targets for theft or involves alcohol.
4. How are security patrol companies assisting overnight at multi-day events?
They offer regular patrols, patrol barriers, and prevent trespassers and asset theft, ensuring the safety of all guests and performers throughout the event.
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