I have recently been invited to perform at an event, which I won't name to avoid any risk of reprisals! Suffice it to say it isn't a music event, just an event with a music stage within it.

As I have performed at this annual event frequently in the past, I accepted a booking for a paid slot (little more than travelling expenses) of thirty minutes on a temporary stage with a sound system being installed and operated by a reputable PA company (again, no names). The power will be from a generator. It's a daytime event so there is no stage lighting.

During the day, other performers - singers, instrumentalists, dancers and so on - will be entertaining the crowd... but only if they comply with what I view as an unreasonable list of conditions...

They want me to prepare a Risk Assessment (no mention of a Method Statement, though!), and furnish proof of Public Liability Insurance.

Admittedly the form was worded as if I was operating a burger van or suchlike (it refers to 'My Company and Personnel'), and I'm guessing that the person who sent it has been told by some local government oik that they must have these forms filled in for insurance reasons...

I responded to say that the event should have the necessary PLI, and that Method Statements along with associated Risk Assessments should only be required from those responsible for erecting the stage and those providing the sound system.

I also explained that, under these terms and conditions, I was no longer interested in the gig, and that I wouldn't be surprised if other performers (friends of mine, so I know it to be fact, not supposition!) would also withdraw from the event.

The reply I received was 'interesting'!

They have offered to 'write my risk assessment' for me, which basically entails me signing a statement that I am happy to work on that stage at that event during the time period specified.

To me, that is a disclaimer - and rather a risky one to agree to, I would suggest.

The stage will be around a metre high, so there is a slight possibility I may fall off and squash a small child with my accordion... none of my instruments will be plugged in to anything, I'm merely going to be standing in front of microphones. I won't be taking any of my own amplification, nor will anyone else.

Has anyone else fallen foul of such misguided beaurocracy (okay, don't all shout at once!), and how have you tackled it - other than withdrawing from the event?