VE Day 75 Events – Safety Guidelines

The 8th of May 2020 will mark 75 years since VE Day. Also known as Victory in Europe Day, this day is remembered as the day the guns fell silent at the end of World War Two in Europe.

The 75th anniversary will provide our nation with an opportunity to remember and reflect on the enormous sacrifice and courage from this period.

To commemorate this important time, Councils from across the UK will be busy organising celebration events, taking place from 8 May to 10 May 2020.

As part of your celebrations, you may decide to hold events, light beacons, or hold firework displays. BHIB Councils Insurance would like to reaffirm a number of guidelines to ensure that all of those attending your VE Day 75 events are kept safe.

Am I covered if I hold an event for VE Day?

If you organise an event then you must:

1. Consult Police and Fire Brigade authorities at least 7 days prior to the event and adhere to their recommendations.
2. Ensure there is at least 1 steward in attendance for every 100 spectators for the duration of the event.
3. Ensure there is qualified First Aid personnel in attendance with the means available to summon the Emergency Services.
4. Ensure all independent persons, owners of mechanically propelled vehicles and the owners of any animals have their own Public Liability Insurance.
5. Ensure that all areas where events are to take place are suitable for their intended purpose.

Am I covered if I have bouncy castles/inflatables at my VE Day 75 event?

If you hire or operate inflatable equipment then you must:

1. Ensure all operators have sufficient training and knowledge to understand the procedures and rules regarding the safe use and operation of such devices.
2. Follow the manufacturers’ or suppliers’ guidelines in relation to the maximum number of persons allowed in or on such devices at any one time.
3. Ensure all outdoor devices have adequate anchorage points that must be used at all times.
4. Inspect all devices daily prior to use and at least annually by a competent person. All defects that are a risk to health & safety must be rectified immediately or the device must be taken out of use until repaired.

Where inflatable equipment is hired in, the event organiser must:

1. Have in place a system of check to ensure that the supplier has Public and Products Liability insurance, which must not be less than the limit provided to the Insured by this Policy.
2. Keep written details of such insurance including the policy number, insurer and the limit of liability.

Am I covered if I light a beacon/hold a firework display for VE Day? 

If you organise a firework display, you must:

1. Consult the relevant authorities at least seven days before the event.
2. Comply with any recommendations or instructions of:
   1. The relevant authorities
   2. Fireworks manufacturers
3. Organise the event in accordance with the latest guidance from the Health and Safety Executive, in particular:
   1. Storing fireworks in a safe manner.
   2. Keeping spectators a safe distance away from the display and bonfire.
   3. Providing an adequate number of marshals or stewards to control spectators.
   4. Having available means of extinguishing a fire.
   5. Providing sufficient first aiders.
4. Obtain fireworks from a reputable manufacturer and not modify or adapt fireworks
5. Ensure the display is at least 20 metres away from premises or vehicles which you do not own, hire or rent or any flammable or other dangerous materials

If you have any questions about your insurance cover or if you unsure about any of the requirements then please contact us on 0330 013 0036 or email us at [email protected]