Oh dear me.

Wherever people gather in large numbers it is obvious that any 'risk assessment' will show a heightened danger of risk purely because there are so many people gathered in one place.

Events called 'festivals' or 'fairs' which indicate a possible large gathering of people should obviously be avoided then John.

If you have so many concerns about "safety" at such events John then the answer is surely to just stay away and wrap yourself up in cotton wool, stay indoors and don't venture anywhere where there could be the slightest hint of danger.

I know from bitter experience that many really good 'social' and 'community' events have bitten the dust/no longer occur, because of too much red tape imposed in the name of health and safety and risk assesment in case an organiser becomes culpable and could possibly end up facing legal proceedings from the sue 'em and screw 'em crowd!

And on top of all that you are now saying " Do the festivals we go to have plans in place for responses to 'unusual situations'?" and "Are there "safe retreats" in the event of threatening weather, disorderly crowds etc.?"

Good God man, do you not realise how daft all that sounds!

How much legislation and litigation do you want before it all becomes academic because there won't be any social gatherings at all because the threat of potential legal action will kill them all off!

And it sounds to me like you are precisely one of those people that would go out of your way with a clip board and a check list at such social events to actually look for fault and catch people out for your own misguided and power-mad reasons only to ultimately shoot yourself in the foot!

Think very carefully before you continue such a lame lament for you come across as such a very sad person!

Chill out man.

Chris