Blog Layout

Top 5 Problems with Event Sites

Sophie

Things to consider when sourcing an outdoor site for your event if you are planning on having a stage.



Sourcing an outdoor event site can be hard, especially if you don't already own land. We've put together the top five problems you will have to consider when you've found your event site to make sure it is safe for your audience, your contractors and your staff.

Arc Truss stage set up in a field with an audience in front to it for Foodies Festival

1. Event Site Size


Don’t underestimate how much space you need for your event. Consider the size of the stage you want to have, the size of the audience, the number of stalls you plan on having. There will need to be a toilet area, a first aid tent, space backstage for your performers and any other entertainment you want to have. You will also need to have the recommended safety distances between your stalls (which is 3m on either side), a safety zone in front of the stage, and some designated areas for lost/found children.




2. Site Levels and Elevations


Ideally your event site will be relatively flat, this will help with installing structures and facilities like toilets, staging, stalls and tents. If you’re event site isn’t flat, you will need to consider the layout of your event carefully to make sure that the large structures are on the flattest areas. Particularly the staging as the structure can only compensate for minimal changes in the ground levels. 




3. Underground Utilities


This is not something people usually think about but larger stages need to be tethered to the ground for them to be safe. If there are underground utilities these need to be identified and either the stage will need to be placed away from them or an alternate stage that doesn’t require ground tethering will need to be used. 


4. Site Access


Unless you have hired a modular stage set up, it’s likely that access to the site will be a consideration. You will need to identify any width or height restrictions, any tight turning circles or uneven ground. All of these will effect whether we can get our truck or trailer stages onto your event site, and if not, we will need to consider alternative logistics which may take longer or be more costly to get the stage into the right location.




5. Other Health & Safety Risks


It’s important to consider any other risks that may be a problem for your event, such as proximity of rivers, footpaths, and roads. All of these pose a risk to event staff and attendees’ safety and can also pose problems for the erection of structures, such as stages. Ensuring there is enough space around these will make your event safer for everyone.



If you need help ascertaining if the venue you have chosen is suitable, we're more than happy to do event sites free of charge to check for problems that might affect you having a stage and production at your event. Our team of knowledgable experts have so much experience in the outdoor event field, they'll be able to check for these issues.


An arc truss stage in a field with performers on it and an audience watching on
By Sophie 06 May, 2024
Looking at the pros and cons of outdoor event spaces and how it can help to understand the implications of hosting the event outdoors.
A wide shot of an inflatable stage in a field with lavender in the background
By Sophie 29 Apr, 2024
The first quarter of 2024 has disappeared in a blink of an eye, and we’re still catching our breath from all the changes and moves we’ve been making to make sure that 2024 is out most successful year yet.
A shot of a hand writting on a budget sheet
By Sophie 16 Apr, 2024
A guide to budgeting for your outdoor event with tips and tricks from industry experts.
A blurred photo of festoon lighting above a crowd.
By Sophie 15 Apr, 2024
Explaining who and why event site sound is needed for outdoor events.
A close up of grass with a blue sky in the background
By Sophie 08 Apr, 2024
The pros and cons of each event site surface from a production perspective.
A spring garden with a gazebo in the background
By sophie 01 Apr, 2024
The great British weather is as unpredictable as ever, yet, after the gloom of winter, when spring rears its long-missed head, it could be the perfect time to host an outdoor event.
The koncept productions lorry to the left of a field with a manor house in the background.
By Sophie 25 Mar, 2024
A step by step guide to what happens once we arrive on site for an event.
An arc truss stage at a busy festival.
By Sophie 04 Mar, 2024
A guide to outdoor stage hire and things to consider when looking for a stage.
By Martin Ruff 26 Feb, 2024
What to do when weather strikes? We recently wrote a post about the different types of weather you need to be particularly careful of, and what precautions you need to take. The most common weather event we have in the UK is rain. But what impact does this have on an outdoor event, and what can you do to mitigate the situation?
A trailer stage set up for a street festival
By Martin Ruff 12 Feb, 2024
Giving you the inside info on what you need to become a sound engineer for a festival.
More Posts
Share by: