This article is written as a companion piece to Trivandi’s Reflection on 2024 and Perspectives on Key Trends for 2025: A Perspective on the UK Threat Picture and Martyn’s Law Implications
The UK’s evolving threat landscape underscores the necessity for comprehensive preparedness and risk management within the events and venue sectors. Trivandi’s reflections on industry trends for 2025 rightly highlight themes such as sustainability, AI integration, workforce up-skilling and operational resilience. On the topic of resilience, it’s worth mentioning the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, commonly known as Martyn’s Law which received Royal Assent on the 3 April 2025.
Martyn’s Law creates new legal obligations for venues, organisers and publicly accessible locations, mandating the implementation of proportionate security measures to mitigate the risk of terrorist attacks. While these regulations represent a significant step forward in public safety, they introduce a complex regulatory environment that many organisations, particularly grassroots venues and smaller operators, may find daunting. Limited budgets, insufficient expertise and a lack of clear guidance on what constitutes ‘reasonable and practical measures’ are likely to emerge as key challenges at the same time as supply chain pressures and cost of living squeezes. The 35% increase in production budgets is cited as the number one reason why more than 40 mainstream festivals and events cancelled or postponed in 2024. Over 170 have disappeared in the last five years*.
The Decision Support Centre (DSC) and the National Events Database (NED), two initiatives being launched in the spring of 2025, aim to bridge these gaps by providing tailored compliance resources such as toolkits, playbooks and training for Responsible Persons. Alongside other established tools, such as Action Counters Terrorism (ACT), these are designed to help organisations of all sizes meet their obligations under Martyn’s Law while also supporting their operational resilience. For smaller venues and events, scalable solutions such as entry-level compliance toolkits and affordable training modules are essential. By ensuring accessibility, the DSC aims to build a community of like-minded and informed ‘organisers’ fostering a culture of shared responsibility and thought leadership across the sector. The National Events Database (NED) will create a comprehensive national events picture showing: Who, What, Where and When. And a secure place to file compliance documents.
A critical challenge for organisations will be judging what actions or mitigations are ‘reasonable and practical’. Beyond mitigations requiring additional infrastructure, there are likely increased operational costs, including specific staff training, the appointment of a Responsible Person, formal record keeping and regular audits to demonstrate compliance. These financial pressures may lead some venues to seek external funding, adjust pricing models, or even reconsider their commercial viability altogether. The DSC’s focus on providing cost-effective resources and a scalable holistic solution (including but beyond Terrorism) aims to ease this burden, helping venues and events to meet their obligations without compromising financial viability.
The UK threat picture also demands a proactive response to emerging risks. Hostile reconnaissance, vehicle-as-a-weapon attacks and cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to counter without the right resources and training. Martyn’s Law provides an opportunity to elevate awareness and preparedness industry-wide. However, success will hinge on a national events picture, the integration of shared real-time intelligence, practical tools and a commitment to continuous professional or vocational development for those responsible.
A critical component of this shift will be the industry’s ability to adopt a mindset of prevention rather than reaction. The DSC aligns with Trivandi’s call for modular and agile planning models by equipping organisations with adaptable solutions that address threats ranging from large-scale public events to small, community-focused gatherings. This approach not only enhances compliance but also builds public trust and confidence in the safety of venues and events.
Moreover, Martyn’s Law is likely to catalyse broader downstream adjustments, including shifts in insurance cover and premiums, contractual agreements and supply chain expectations and more broadly what is perceived to be ‘best practice’ amongst the sector. The DSC is positioned to assist organisations in navigating these changes by providing guidance on risk mitigation, legal compliance and operational best practices.
As Martyn’s Law reshapes the industry, collaboration will be key. By aligning with thought leaders such as Trivandi and engaging with stakeholders across the public and private sectors, the DSC seeks to ensure that compliance becomes not just a regulatory necessity but a driver of innovation, resilience and public trust. Together, we can create a safer, more secure environment that benefits everyone.
Watch out for further announcements.
*According to the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF)
