NEW: Tipperary festivals urged to weather-proof their events this summer
Event organisers across the county are being urged to bolster their weather contingency plans
Summer festival and outdoor event organisers in Tipperary are being urged to bolster their weather contingency plans as climate-related events fuel heightened scrutiny from insurers and local authorities.
Cancellation and Curtailment insurance, which covers unforeseen disruptions beyond organisers’ control, is becoming an essential part of cover in Ireland, according to experts Brady Insurance.
Some local authorities are now setting it as a condition for event licensing.
Recent years have seen a growing number of Irish events and festivals impacted by adverse weather, one of the most high profile being the 2023 Forever Young Festival in Kildare.
Severe rainfall rendered the grounds unsafe, leading to the exclusion of day-ticket holders. The festival faced significant financial strain and subsequently entered liquidation, resulting in the event's permanent cancellation the following year.
Brady Insurance says insurers are now placing greater emphasis on the quality of event management plans - and particularly how organisers address adverse weather conditions.
Rather than see this as a setback, it advises that organisers should treat it as an opportunity to build even stronger, more resilient events, from a large-scale festival to a community gathering.
"We’re seeing more sudden downpours, storm warnings and safety concerns that can derail an event at the last minute. The goal is to prepare early and manage risks effectively and ensure that events have the best chance of going ahead with minimal disruption." said Jane Brady, CEO of the Leitrim based insurance provider.
"As well as cancellation and curtailment insurance, insurers want to see proactive measures on-site.
"These include use of additional woodchip to manage muddy grounds, trackway systems to ensure emergency vehicle access and crowd cooling measures such as shaded areas or misting stations, in prep for potentially hot weather."
Meanwhile, non-appearance insurance for performers is being tightened by insurers, particularly for older artists, with many policies now offering limited cover such as for accidental injuries only.
Brady Insurance urged organisers to engage with brokers early in their planning stages to ensure they have the most appropriate cover in place, tailored to their needs.
"Our message is a positive one: with good preparation, clear contingency planning, and the right insurance advice, Irish festivals and events can continue to thrive, even in a more unpredictable world." added Ms Brady.