Showsec operations director Simon Battersby was appointed as the festival's head of security, prior to seven months strategic planning that led into coordinating 1300 security professionals and stewards at the event. Headline acts AC/DC, Rage Against the Machine and Aerosmith were among 125 bands entertaining the dedicated rock fans over three days.
Battersby comments, "Live Nation were keen to have a more co-ordinated overriding security operation which managed the increased size and scale of Download this year more effectively. My new role within the festival management team meant that I engaged all stakeholders from Leicestershire police, licensing authorities, and the festival crime prevention team, to other contractors securing the campsite and car park areas. As a result, we consolidated the security operations across the site, sharing information, resources, and ensuring clear communication between all parties, which I am happy to say led to improved security for everyone on site."
Steve Reynolds, Showsec's southern regional manager, oversaw the complex event security operation, which spanned the five stages, markets, entrances and perimeter. With such a vast area and so many staff, effective briefings and extensive planning were key to the operation's success.
(Jim Evans)
