What an outdoor festival needs: stage, sound and lighting

Organising an outdoor concert or festival means thinking about things that an indoor venue already has covered. These are the technical points worth planning ahead.

A covered stage

Outdoors, the stage has to protect artists and equipment from rain and sun. A covered mobile stage or a stage with a structure and roof lets the event go on even if the weather changes. Height and size depend on the line-up and the audience.

Sound for the audience size and setting

The sound system is calculated from the number of people, the shape of the venue and the distance to the back of the audience. A flown line array spreads sound evenly and can be aimed to disturb the neighbours as little as possible.

Lighting and timing

If the event ends at night, lighting is essential: for the stage, for the audience and for walkways. Think from the start about what time it gets dark and what atmosphere you want at each point in the line-up.

Power

Sound, lighting and screens draw a lot of power. You need to know whether the venue has enough supply or needs a generator, and plan cable routes with cable ramps so nobody trips.

Audience safety

Crowd barriers in front of the stage, clear walkways and good lighting at the exits are part of the technical setup. Also check with the local council which permits your event needs.

Setup times

An outdoor festival can't be set up in an hour: the stage, sound, lighting and soundchecks need time, often from the day before. The sooner the technical side is settled, the better the event goes.

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