What is an Event Steward?

A steward is a member of event staff who guides and helps the audience, manages queues and crowd flow, and watches for problems, reporting them to supervisors or event control. Stewards are the most visible staff at most festivals, sports events and large concerts, usually in hi-vis jackets. For many people in the audience, a steward is the first person they ask for help.

What a steward does

A steward's shift follows a clear pattern:

  1. Brief: attend a briefing on the event, their position, radio channel and emergency procedures.
  2. Take position: go to their assigned area, such as an entrance, exit, stage or car park.
  3. Help the audience: give directions, answer questions and keep routes and exits clear.
  4. Watch and report: look for crowding, medical problems or hazards and report them.
  5. Respond: follow instructions in an emergency, such as guiding people to exits.

Large events need hundreds of stewards across many shifts, which organisers plan with shifts in Crescat.

Steward vs security

Stewards guide and help people, and report problems. Security staff deal with searches, ejections and incidents, and in the UK usually need an SIA licence. Many events use both, with stewards in larger numbers and security supporting them. Both report to the same supervisors and event control.

Common steward positions

  • Entrances and ticket checks
  • Exits and emergency routes
  • Stage fronts and viewing areas
  • Car parks and traffic routes
  • Campsites at festivals
  • Accessible platforms and facilities
  • Welfare and medical points, guiding people to help

Frequently asked questions

Do stewards need a licence?

In the UK, stewards who only guide and help people usually do not need an SIA licence. If they carry out security duties, such as searching or refusing entry, they may need one.

Are stewards paid?

Often, through stewarding companies. Some events use volunteers or charity groups, who receive a donation for each steward provided. Volunteer stewards often get free entry to the event outside their shifts.

What training do stewards get?

Usually a briefing on the event and emergency procedures, plus training in customer service, crowd safety and spotting people who need help. Some stewards hold recognised qualifications in spectator safety, especially at sports grounds.

Related terms