What is a Walkthrough at Events?

A walkthrough (also called a site visit or recce) is a planned visit through a venue or event site to check the layout, safety and readiness, either during planning or just before the event opens. Walkthroughs happen at several points, from the first visit to a new venue to the final check before doors. Touring productions often walk a venue on arrival to plan the get-in.

How a walkthrough works

A pre-event walkthrough usually follows these steps:

  1. Plan the route: follow the path of the audience, crew and artists through the venue or site.
  2. Bring the right people: the production manager, safety officer, venue manager and key suppliers.
  3. Check each area: look at layout, signage, exits, access and equipment against the plan.
  4. Record issues: note problems with photos and agree who fixes each one.
  5. Sign off: confirm that issues are fixed before the event opens.

Walkthroughs work best with a clear list of what to check, which teams often run as checklists in Crescat.

Walkthrough vs rehearsal

A walkthrough checks the space: layout, safety and readiness. A rehearsal checks the show: timings, cues and performances. Large events often do both on the day before opening.

What to check on an event walkthrough

  • Entrances, exits and emergency routes
  • Signage and wayfinding
  • Stage, backstage and dressing rooms
  • Barriers, fencing and crowd flow
  • Accessible routes and viewing areas
  • Bars, toilets and medical points
  • Trip hazards and cable runs

Frequently asked questions

When should a walkthrough happen?

Do an early walkthrough during planning, then a final one after the build and before doors. Festivals may hold walkthroughs with the licensing authority or safety advisory group too. Daily walkthroughs during multi-day events catch new problems.

Who should attend a final walkthrough?

The event organiser, production manager, safety officer, venue or site manager and the heads of security and stewarding. At larger events, police and fire may attend. Keeping the group small enough to move quickly helps, with others sent the notes afterwards.

What happens if problems are found?

Each issue is assigned to someone to fix, with a deadline. Serious safety issues may delay doors until fixed. The walkthrough notes are kept as part of the event's safety records.

Related terms