Is insurance legally required, or just something venues/authorities request?
It depends on whether their insurance extends to people or businesses that use the venue.
The venue will usually have its own public liability insurance that covers incidents caused by the venue itself (example; accidental injury due to the venue's own negligence).
However, that cover is likely limited to risks directly caused by the venue or its normal operations. If you are organising the event — with your own staging, equipment, contractors, activities or attendees — you are a separate 'third party'. In those cases, the venue's policy typically won't protect you. Many venues require you to take out your own public liability/event insurance.
Also, if you are using hired equipment, decorating, managing visitors, or bringing in outside contractors — your liability for accidents, damage or loss usually isn't covered by the venue's insurance.
What to do before relying on venue insurance:
Ask the venue directly whether their insurance extends to external organisers or events — not just the venue's own operations.
Check the policy wording — if it excludes third-party events, exhibitions, or external hire, then you'll need your own insurance.
Take out a separate event insurance policy (e.g., with public liability cover), especially if you are organising the event, using equipment, hiring contractors or hosting the public.
