Build the zones like a staircase
Order the zones from the most open to the most closed, for example:
- Audience: the festival site.
- VIP: the festival site and the VIP area.
- Crew: everything above, plus backstage and the loading zone.
- Artist: everything above and the dressing rooms.
A band gives access to its own zone and everything below it. Then one band per person is enough, and a steward only needs to know one thing per gate: which bands are let in here.
If the zones can't be arranged as a staircase, for example if press may enter the photo pit but not backstage, give each access level its own band and write down on the key exactly which gates it is valid for.
Make the closed zones the clearest
- Backstage and artists are the smallest groups and should stand out the most.
- Choose a band colour for VIP and backstage that is far from the audience's.
- Separate by material too: woven for the audience and vinyl for crew, or the other way round. Then the difference can be felt even when the colour is hard to see.
- Print the access level on the band: BACKSTAGE, CREW, ARTIST. Text isn't as fast as colour, but it confirms.
Bands and accreditation
A band shows access, not identity. Our bands are not numbered and carry no names. Where it matters who the person is, such as at the dressing rooms or the side of the stage, combine the band with an accreditation badge or a name list at the gate.
Several small groups can share a band. If you have fifteen people in first aid and twenty in catering, give them the same band printed STAFF and tell them apart by their accreditation. Each variant is at least 100 pcs.
The key at the gate
Make one page per gate: which bands are let in, with a picture of each band. The proof shows every variant with band colour, ink colour and text, and can be printed as a reference. Go through the key with all stewards before doors open.
Change the bands from one event to the next
Last year's backstage band should not work this year. Put the year or the date on the band and change the colour every time. Keep unused bands locked away and count them back after the event. More in the guide to security and single-use locks.
Questions and answers
How many zones can we have?+
As many as you like, but each band is a variant of its own with at least 100 pcs. Keep the number of bands down and let one band give access to its own zone and everything below it.
Can the bands be numbered or carry names?+
No. Each variant is printed in at least 100 identical bands. If you need names, combine the band with an accreditation badge or a list at the gate.
Which material suits backstage?+
Vinyl for crew and artists who work the whole event, because it withstands water and sweat. Woven if the backstage band should look exclusive or carry a sponsor.