Contractors Showsec managed the safety of 350,000 Take That fans as the band returned to their home town of Manchester in June, for eight gigs as part of their record breaking Progress tour.
The overall security operation was spilt between four agencies, and after planning Showsec supplied 254 SIA-licensed security staff and stewards. Showsecโs responsibilities at the venue began with managing the queues before gates opened, implementing a smooth ingress, guiding the public onto the pitch and stands and ensuring their safety throughout the show and then clearing the stadium.<br><br>Mark Wilcock, Showsecโs area manager says: โTake Thatโs Manchester tour dates saw us liaising with several different security organisations along with the venue manager and the production team. This meant communication between myself, Showsecโs operations executive Graham Herbert and the other companies involved was key in the success of the effective crowd management procedures that were in place.<br><br>โOur professional, approachable team welcomed visitors to the stadium, ensuring swift crowd flow from the car parks through the turnstiles and into the concourse. We also provided stewards for the perimeter of the large pitch, who worked alongside Manchester City stewards to guarantee the safest environment for the excited crowd.โ
Also in the city, Showsecโs Manchester office has been busy securing the cityโs football fans, with two separate victory parades for Manchester City on 23rd May 23; and Manchester United on May 30.
After the security operation a week prior, where Showsec ensured the safety of hundreds of thousands of City fans as they took to the streets for the FA Cup Parade, the crowd management specialists returned to Manchester city centre. In the second un-ticketed, public event Showsec secured Unitedโs parade in celebration of their 19th victorious premier league trophy.
Led by Alan Wallace, 350 Showsec staff managed the crowd of supporters as they surrounded the bus, which bore the number 19 to symbolise the record-breaking number of times the club has won this trophy.
Alan Wallace, Northern regional manager says; โWe worked with Greater Manchester City Police and Manchester City Council to plan a smooth security operation across the 4.5 mile route. Our licensed and trained security and stewarding teams provided excellent crowd management services for similar un-ticketed public events, utilising both our national network with in-depth local knowledge.โ
