Pumpkin festivals are becoming a staple of autumn in Shropshire, drawing families, schools, and communities out for crisp air, creative displays, and plenty of fun. If you’re running a Pumpkin Fest this year – whether it’s a local farm event, a community gathering, or a ticketed festival – getting your tents and audio setup right is key to a smooth, memorable experience.
Here’s a quick guide to prepping your event spaces and sound systems for a successful Pumpkin Fest.
1. Choose the Right Tent for Your Event
Autumn weather in Shropshire can be unpredictable – sunshine, showers, and wind all in one day. A sturdy event tent or marquee is essential for sheltering guests, protecting pumpkins, and keeping your activities running rain or shine.
- Size matters: Estimate your expected turnout and plan for extra space for displays, seating, and walkways. For guidance on marquee sizing, check out Marquee Hire Guide’s size calculator.
- Go for sidewalls: Sidewalls keep out wind and rain and help maintain a cozy atmosphere.
- Flooring: Grass is fine, but if you expect muddy conditions, consider temporary flooring solutions. Event Hire UK has practical options.
2. Prep Your Audio for Outdoor Clarity
Pumpkin Fests are all about atmosphere – music, announcements, and maybe a spooky story hour. But open fields and autumn breezes can swallow up sound. Here’s how to get it right:
- Pick the right PA system: Look for portable, weather-resistant audio gear. For most outdoor events, a pair of active speakers and a wireless mic will cover announcements and background music.
- Speaker placement: Elevate your speakers on stands and aim them towards the crowd, not just at the stage. This helps sound carry evenly – Shure’s guide to outdoor sound is a handy resource.
- Power supply: If you’re in a field, make sure you have reliable power – either from mains or a generator with enough output for your audio kit.
3. Weather-Proof Your Setup
- Rain covers: Even if your speakers are “outdoor rated,” use rain covers or plastic sheeting for extra protection.
- Cable safety: Use cable covers to avoid trip hazards and protect connections from moisture. (At JET Equipment Hire, all packages include cable covers as standard.)
- Wind management: Secure tents with proper weights and check that speaker stands are stable – no one wants a toppled PA in the middle of a pumpkin-carving contest!
4. Make It Easy for Guests
- Clear signage: Use banners or printed signs for directions, schedules, and safety info.
- Accessible playlists: Set the mood with autumn-themed music—consider offering guests free access to a curated Spotify playlist for events, or create your own.
5. Get Professional Help
If you’re not sure what you need, or want to guarantee a hassle-free setup, consider hiring a local AV specialist. At JET Equipment Hire, we offer tailored outdoor audio packages with free delivery and setup across the West Midlands – including Shropshire. We’ll even walk you through the basics so you can focus on running your event.
Final Tip: Always book early – October is peak season for both tent and AV hire, and the best gear gets snapped up fast!
Ready to make your Pumpkin Fest sound as good as it looks?
Contact JET Equipment Hire for expert advice and a free quote.
