Health and Safety Policy 2026

Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival: Health and Safety Policy Statement: May 2026

1. Introduction

• Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival CIC (KFF) ensures that events over the Festival weekend are safe for audiences, performers and volunteers.
• KFF has up-to-date Public Liability Insurance.
• All our events take place in venues with their own health and safety policies.
• Chris Walker, Fringe Director and nominated Health and Safety Officer, can be contacted on 07715 374993.

2. Risk Assessment and Management

• All venues used for Fringe events are inspected to identify potential risks e.g. electric wires, trip hazards, weather etc; mitigating actions are then planned / taken to reduce risks e.g. covering cables and removing hazards.

3. Key Safety Areas

Crowd Control and Management

• KFF adheres to venue capacity, and in liaison with venues organises seating and performance areas to maintain unobstructed exit routes.
• KFF volunteers manage and monitor audiences and crowds at Fringe events, with the support of Fringe Directors at larger events such as at Cochran Hall.

Fire Safety

• KFF ensures that venues used for Fringe events have visible fire extinguishers and fire exits.
• KFF ensures that Chairs of Fringe events are aware of the locations of the above and inform event audiences.

Medical and First Aid

• Vivien McAlpine, Fringe Director and nominated First Aid Officer, can be contacted on 07761 292151.
• A first aid kit is available during the Fringe weekend at the Fringe Information Kiosk and Ticket Office on Soaperie Gardens.

Marquees and Stages

• KFF ensures that any structure used for performances are built by professionals and secure against wind.

Site Safety and Welfare

• KFF ensures that venues used for Fringe events have adequate toilets (including disabled access).
• KFF ensures that free drinking water is available at venues for performers, volunteers and audiences as appropriate.
• KFF volunteers manage rubbish at venues to avoid hazards.

4. Emergency Procedures

• All Fringe volunteers receive contact information for the managers of venues.
• KFF Directors oversee all events and activities throughout the Fringe weekend and are based in a central location with a staffed phone.

5. Implementation

• KFF requires all contractors to undertake their own risk assessments and to have appropriate insurance.

• KFF ensures that Fringe volunteers are competent and confident to perform required tasks through regular meetings and training and being informed about Fringe policies.