Plan safe group walks during festivals

• Plan festive group walks by choosing routes away from main crowds.
• Keep groups to five to ten people and use group chats for coordination.
• Use buddy systems and fixed meeting points to ensure safety in crowds.

Festivals bring a unique energy to our cities, but the crowds can be overwhelming. A planned group walk is the perfect way to soak in the atmosphere with friends while enjoying the outdoors. Here’s how to make it a memorable success.

Choose a Path with Festive Flair

The success of a festival walk hinges on its route. Instead of heading straight into the most congested areas, consider a path that skirts the main event, offering great views without the crush of the crowd. Plan a route that passes by decorated streets, offers a glimpse of a parade from a distance, or ends at a park where you can hear the festival music. Use online maps to scout the area for green spaces, quieter side streets, and interesting landmarks. Check local community pages or event websites for information on road closures and less-crowded zones. The goal is to capture the festival's spirit, not get stuck in its busiest choke points.

Assemble Your Walking Crew

Decide on the ideal group size. While it’s tempting to invite everyone, smaller groups of five to ten are easier to manage, especially in crowded environments. When you send out invitations, be clear about the nature of the walk. Provide details on the estimated distance, the pace (casual stroll or brisk walk), and the type of terrain. This helps people decide if the activity is right for them and ensures everyone is on the same page. A quick kick-off meeting or a group chat can help build excitement and confirm who is coming.

Communication is Your Best Tool

Clear communication before and during the walk is essential. Create a group chat using an app like WhatsApp to share all the key details in one place. A week before the walk, send out a message with the final route, a map, the exact meeting spot and time, and what to bring. A few days prior, send a reminder about appropriate footwear, dressing for the weather, and bringing water. On the day of the event, a fully charged phone and a portable power bank can be a lifesaver for staying connected if someone gets separated from the group. Apps like SportEasy can also help manage group communications and schedules for regular walking groups.

Prioritise Safety in the Crowd

Festivals mean large crowds, so safety is paramount. Before you start, agree on a clear, fixed meeting point in case anyone gets separated—like a specific statue or shopfront, not just 'near the main stage'. Remind everyone to stay aware of their surroundings. It's wise to have a buddy system and do periodic headcounts to ensure no one has been left behind. Encourage your group to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and secure any loose clothing or bags. Staying hydrated is crucial, so prompt everyone to carry a water bottle. If you find yourselves in a dense crowd, stay calm and move with the flow, making your way diagonally to the edge.

Embrace the Spirit of the Festival

Make the walk more than just a walk; turn it into a festive event. You could suggest a simple theme, like asking everyone to wear a specific colour. Turn the walk into a 'photo scavenger hunt' where participants have to find and photograph specific festive decorations or sights along the way. Another idea is to plan your route to end near a well-known food stall area, so the group can sample festival treats together as a reward. You could also time your walk to coincide with a specific event, like the beginning of a fireworks display or a cultural performance.