Bolton’s KSS NW Ltd Shortlisted for Best Crowd Management & Security at the UK Festival Supplier Awards, Enhancing Safety and Boosting Tourism in UK Festivals

Published on December 14, 2025

KSS NW Ltd, a Bolton-based security company, has made headlines by being shortlisted for the prestigious Best Crowd Management & Security award at the Festival Supplier Awards 2026. The awards, set to take place in London on January 29, 2026, celebrate the unsung heroes behind the scenes of the UK’s most prominent outdoor events. With their expertise in safeguarding, crowd control, and event security, KSS NW Ltd has made significant contributions to the safety and success of major festivals, both in the UK and abroad.

The nomination highlights the company’s outstanding performance in crowd management and event security, including their work at world-renowned festivals like Glastonbury, Electric Picnic, and Reading and Leeds. KSS NW Ltd’s reputation for providing high-quality security services that prioritize safety and compassion has earned them recognition for their exceptional commitment to public welfare. However, what sets this firm apart is their focus on safeguarding, offering more than just traditional security measures by ensuring that all attendees are protected and respected throughout the event experience.

One of the key elements of their work was seen in a powerful case at a major festival in 2025. A festival-goer, who had experienced years of domestic abuse, sought help after seeing one of KSS NW Ltd’s Ask for Angela posters—a safeguarding initiative designed to provide victims with discreet ways of seeking assistance. This moment not only helped save a life but also illustrated the company’s broader commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, demonstrating that their work goes beyond crowd control and touches on the deeper aspects of public safety and support.

Floyd Allen, the head of operations at KSS NW Ltd, emphasized the emotional impact of this moment, stating that it exemplified why safeguarding is at the heart of their work. Security, he explained, is not just about managing spaces; it’s about protecting people. KSS NW Ltd’s officers, following specialized safeguarding protocols, ensured the safety of the individual, connected them with professional services, and provided them with the discreet support they needed to escape their abusive situation. This moment became a powerful testament to the human side of event security—showing how their role can extend far beyond just monitoring crowd behavior.

The company’s work goes beyond the technicalities of crowd control and extends into areas such as bar security, arena response teams, and medical support zones. These measures ensure that festivals are not only safe for attendees but also well-organized, with emergency routes and safeguarding measures in place for quick access during times of need. KSS NW Ltd’s commitment to public safety has made them a trusted partner in securing events where large numbers of people gather, with their presence ensuring that everyone has the freedom to enjoy the festival without fear or concern for their well-being.

The shortlisting for this prestigious award highlights the company’s impact on the broader festival and tourism industry in the UK. Their work has contributed to making events like TRNSMT, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, and the Oasis homecoming concerts at Heaton Park safe and memorable for festivalgoers. As one of the key players in crowd management, KSS NW Ltd’s services have allowed festivals to thrive while keeping security a top priority.

However, KSS NW Ltd’s contribution to the festival industry extends beyond just security. Their approach has proven to be invaluable in the tourism sector, especially as major festivals like Glastonbury and Reading and Leeds attract thousands of international visitors each year. The demand for safe and reliable event security has increased, and as festival tourism continues to rise in the UK, security firms like KSS NW Ltd have become integral to the success of these events. Visitors traveling from across the world to attend iconic UK festivals now expect a high level of security, and KSS NW Ltd ensures that the attendees’ experience is both exciting and safe, enhancing the appeal of the UK as a prime destination for event tourism.

The significance of events like the Festival Supplier Awards cannot be understated. These awards provide an opportunity to highlight the importance of event security in tourism and its role in shaping the overall experience for festival-goers. As the festival industry continues to grow, the role of security firms becomes even more vital. KSS NW Ltd’s recognition at these awards is a reminder of how companies working behind the scenes help shape the public’s perception of a destination. They ensure that crowd management and safeguarding are integral parts of the tourism infrastructure, which in turn makes the UK a safe, reliable, and attractive destination for event tourism.

Moreover, the recognition of KSS NW Ltd is not only a reflection of their dedication to operational excellence but also a tribute to their culture of care. Garry Longthorne, the chairman of KSS NW Ltd, expressed pride in their team’s work, emphasizing that their operational success stems from their deep commitment to safeguarding both their customers and their employees. The culture of care at KSS NW Ltd ensures that all those involved, whether they are festival-goers, staff members, or partners, feel valued and supported.

The nomination for the Best Crowd Management & Security award also speaks to the evolution of the event security industry. As festivals become larger and more complex, the demands placed on security firms like KSS NW Ltd continue to grow. It is no longer enough to simply manage crowds; the modern security landscape requires proactive engagement, safeguarding, and the ability to respond to emergencies swiftly and efficiently. KSS NW Ltd’s ability to deliver on all these fronts has earned them the respect and trust of some of the most iconic festivals in the world.

With major festivals attracting visitors from around the globe, the role of crowd management and security has become a significant aspect of UK tourism. Festivals not only promote the arts and culture but also bring considerable economic benefits to their host cities. These events help drive local tourism by encouraging tourists to visit not only for the festivals but also to explore the wider cultural offerings of the UK. The role of KSS NW Ltd in making these festivals safe and enjoyable further bolsters the UK’s reputation as a destination for high-quality tourism experiences.

As the Festival Supplier Awards 2026 approaches, the recognition of KSS NW Ltd serves as a powerful reminder of the crucial role that crowd management and event security play in the success of festivals worldwide. By ensuring the safety of festival-goers, KSS NW Ltd is not only securing the events themselves but also contributing to the continued growth of the UK tourism industry, making the UK a premier destination for both festival-goers and tourists seeking exciting cultural experiences.

In conclusion, the shortlisting of KSS NW Ltd for the Best Crowd Management & Security award at the Festival Supplier Awards 2026 is a significant milestone in the company’s journey. Their innovative approach to safeguarding and crowd control has made them a key player in the festival industry, and their work has had a lasting impact on the UK’s growing event tourism sector. As the festival industry continues to evolve, KSS NW Ltd’s role in ensuring safety and security will remain essential in fostering positive, memorable, and safe experiences for visitors to the UK’s most beloved festivals.