News

With the UK currently experiencing extreme temperatures of up to 40°C, the Music Managers Forum (MMF) has been working with industry partners to provide clarity and guidance for artists and their teams navigating live performances in these conditions.

To help managers make informed decisions, we spoke to Molly Puttnam, Associate Director at Howden Music, who shared key insights into how insurers typically approach live events during periods of extreme heat.

No Fixed Temperature for Cancellation

One of the key takeaways is that there is no set temperature threshold at which an event must be cancelled.

From an insurance perspective, extreme heat falls under “adverse weather”, and decisions are not made based on a specific number on the thermometer. Instead, cancellation or postponement is triggered when conditions pose a serious risk to the safety of audiences, crew, and performers.

Importantly, these decisions are usually made by event organisers in conjunction with local authorities and health and safety advisors, supported by clear evidence that proceeding would be unsafe.

Safety Is the Deciding Factor

Rather than temperature alone, insurers look at the overall safety of the event environment. This includes factors such as:

• Availability of shade and cooling measures
• The vulnerability of the audience
• Site conditions and infrastructure
• Medical and welfare provision

This approach mirrors how other weather risks are handled. For example, there is no set level of rainfall that triggers cancellation—but if heavy rain makes a site unsafe, an event may not be able to proceed.

Duty of Care Remains Critical

Event organisers retain a strong duty of care during extreme heat conditions.

They are expected to follow recognised guidance, including: · HSE (Health and Safety Executive) workplace temperature guidance · The Purple Guide (industry standard for event safety)

• Their own event safety plans

Managers should be aware that artists and their teams will often be reliant on promoters and organisers, who are responsible for liaising with authorities and implementing safety measures.

Who Pays if an Event Is Cancelled?

Financial responsibility in the event of cancellation can vary depending on contracts and circumstances:

• If an event is cancelled and the organiser can demonstrate that force majeure applies, artists may not be paid, and instead would need to claim on their own insurance
• If an artist is unable to perform due to heat-related illness, this is typically treated like any other illness and may be covered under non-appearance insurance

This highlights the importance of managers understanding both event contracts and insurance cover in advance.

Practical Steps and Best Practice

While many mitigation measures sit with organisers, there are clear steps being taken across the industry to reduce risk during heatwaves.

These include:

• Providing free or subsidised drinking water
• Installing additional shaded areas
• Distributing suncream
• Restricting alcohol sales in extreme conditions

Managers are encouraged to stay in close communication with promoters and event teams to ensure they are fully aware of any changes, precautions, or contingency plans.

Key Takeaway

There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to live events in extreme heat. Instead, decisions hinge on whether conditions are safe, backed by guidance, planning, and collaboration between organisers, authorities, and artists’ teams.

As extreme weather becomes more frequent, understanding these frameworks—and ensuring robust communication between all parties—will be essential.

With thanks to Molly Puttnam, Associate Director at Howden Music, for her insight.