Best Event Trends for Parties, Festivals and Weddings in 2026
Running an event again this year? Review our predictions list of the top trends of 2026, and adopt these qualities at your event. Our predictions are a blend of where we saw increases in 2025, what did well in past years and what new modern qualities work well in other disciplines that we expect to translate into the event space.
Fireworks
A fantastic addition to any event wanting to impress. Fireworks offer that extra sparkle to weddings and festivals – and can be used at specific time to underline special moments. Firework choices are now more diverse than ever, from large to loud to colourful, singular or multiple to streamers.
Events which regularly include fireworks: New Years eve, bonfire night, concerts, festivals, special weddings, large parties. These are often known as once-in-a-lifetime events – add that quality to your events by employing fireworks. Professional firework display services can be purchased, offering low noise, budget friendly options.
Firework displays require responsible persons and risk safety management. Firework Event Risk Assessment templates are available to download for free from Insure Our Event. Larger Cat-4 fireworks (F4) require a professional certified firework operator as well as a licence. They represent a high hazard but are far more impressive and can be electrically fired for precise curated shows.
Any event which utilises fireworks will require firework insurance. The insurance can be purchased as an add on through Insure Our Event, offering the best quote and terms. See our firework insurance information.
Use of AI
Speed up the creation process with the help of AI. Artificial intelligence platforms are now being used by various businesses, from education to commercial to hospitality, to speed up process.
Ideal for marketing, AI can create advertisement assets, draft posters, create signage, generate emails. AI will create and optimised at the click of a button. Just ensure you double check over everything to make sure it is accurate.
AI will also provide analytics such as RSVPs and websites visits, ideal for organisers of large events. The Amex GBT Meetings & Events 2025 Global Forecast reports 50% of meeting planners globally plan to use AI technology in 2025. Check out Adobe Express, Canva or ChatGPT for a range of free AI tools.
More outdoor celebrations
2025 is officially the warmest and sunniest year on record in the UK. Forecasts predict 2026 will again become among the hottest years, and event organisers should make the most of it
Outdoor events are often more affordable than indoor events, as well as offering more space and a larger capacity. Outdoor weddings or festivals have different requirement to indoors, such as sound systems, floral décor or tents. Having an idea of how to make the most of the outdoor setting, and planning ahead is essential.
Outdoor celebration are a the mercy of the weather. An indoors option as substitute may be wise – or a hybrid of the two. Adverse weather insurance will be necessary to cover you event in case of unforeseen circumstances. Purchase this add-on policy to cover your deposits, venue hire and cancellation.
Content Creation and Behind the scenes footage
Hire a content creator to visit your event which will help with future advertisement and promotion. Their videos and images will be shared on their platform, offering great reachability.
Trending at the moment is the ‘behind-the-scenes’ content, such as bloopers or how things are made – offering a personal insight to the event, creating a unique connection. Give your content creators the opportunity to film your third party services in action – or let them preview the event and set up.
Leading up to the event, keep people engaged on social media and the website with sneak peaks. Even include easter eggs for a little more cryptic fun.
Bandstands
Everyone is looking for the next experience, and experiential venues are popular. An average venue or a DJ in a booth just won’t cut it; people want memorable activities that they can share on their social platforms and tell others about. Bandstands and live music acts are the best way to ensure your event entertainment is unique and lively.
Bandstands are a platform that raises up performers, providing visual access to a wide group of people. By providing a stage, event organisers are highlighting the live performers, making the music the centre of attention rather than background noise. Bandstands are ideal for performers or entertainers you have hired, ensuring they are given the best opportunity to deliver a memorable experience to your guests. Any speeches, ceremonies or talks can be emphasised upon a bandstand.
Permanent historic bandstands can be hired from the council, ideal for weddings or festivals. Alternatively, temporary mobile bandstands can be built, offering flexibility comfort and excellent views.
Festivalisation
More and more event organisers are taking inspiration from large festivals, hoping to replicate their success. Qualities of a festival can be reproduced at exhibitions, conferences, parties and fairs – in order to modernise the event and produce a more informal atmosphere.
Some possible aspects of a festivalisation include:
- Optional keynote speeches,
- Creative lighting and backgrounds,
- Live radio shows at the event,
- Wellbeing zones, quiet zones,
- Informal lounges,
- Content paths – pre-laid out plan with floor directions throughout the event,
- Foodhall zone with different cuisines.
The key quality is no obligations for guests, and freedom to explore the event. Festivalisation requires effective planning, helping to produce a more relaxed informal atmosphere.
Wiser Insurance Decisions
Every year, more event organisers are getting wiser to the wide array of event insurers and insurance options. Add-ons including cancellation insurance, bad weather insurance and firework insurance are all available to improve the cover and protect your finances. Insure Our Event are able to provide a tailored quote, with all the cover you need, cutting out the covers you don’t need. We are able to provide the lowest liability limits available, perfect for smaller events,
Utilising Insure Our Event’s instant quote form is the best way to ascertain how much a tailored insurance policy would cost, as well as how much cover your specific event requires.
