Summertime means outdoor events - but organisers have been warned they create a whole new kind of risk.

Dave Williams, from Henshalls Insurance Brokers in Newport and Shrewsbury, said; "Despite the unpredictable British weather, we're addicted in this country to outdoor events.

"Whether it's a garden party, a village fete or even a larger event involving hundreds or even thousands of attendees, you need to prepare carefully.

"Before you begin, you'll need to carry out a risk assessment - and if your event includes activities that may be considered dangerous, such as abseiling, bungee jumping, bonfires, firework displays or even a bouncy castle, you'll need appropriate insurance cover.

"You can't just consider special events to be business as usual, and hope that you'll be covered by your existing policies - you need to make absolutely sure you're protected."

Dave said the important objective was to make any event as safe as possible for everyone taking part.

"You may even find that entertainment acts are subject to the Health and Safety at Work Act as they will be considered to be working on the day.

"And you have a duty of care to ensure your visitors are safe on site under the Occupiers Liability Act, so it's vital you begin planning your event well in advance to get everything in place in time."

The risk assessment will need to identify any possible hazards and more importantly, how they will be controlled.

"You should also ask contractors and anyone taking part in the event to carry out their own risk assessments, and obtain copies of their public liability insurance cover so you can check it's valid too.

"To help create a happy and safe event, you need to ensure the paperwork is accurate and up-to-date so that your business, organisation or charity are protected in case anything goes wrong."