WHEN THINGS FALL DOWN…

Stage Collapse at Bearded Theory Music Festival 2009

Bearded Theory

• Near Ashbourne, Derbyshire

• 15 - 17 May 2009• 1,500 capacity• 5 stages• Various marquees,

tents, activities

Pre-Event Planning

• Draft Licence Application - Dec 2008

• Advice to Organiser - Jan 2009

• Emergency Planning Meeting - Jan 2009

• Full Licence Application - Feb 2009

• ESMP – Feb 2009

• Site Visits – Feb 2009

• Full Site Inspection - 15 May 2009

The Incident

• 16 May 2009

• Collapse of Saddlespan S2000 Stage

• 3 People Suffered Minor Injuries

• Other Damage on Site

• Emergency Services Attended

• HSE Called into Action

• LA investigation

Investigation

• Organiser employed expert contractors

• Stage erected according to instructions

• Wind speed monitoring undertaken

• Sudden and severe weather event

• Supports pulled from ground by wind

• Stage structure collapsed due to subsequent lack of support

Outcomes

• Independent structural surveyor

• Greater awareness of wind loads

• Weather planning – forecasts and local stations

• Wind speed monitoring

• Full co-operation of organiser

• Input to TDS review

Any questions?