Hiring a stage for an event in London comes with a few extra considerations compared to a field in Essex or a garden in Kent. Space is tighter, access can be complicated, and the requirements for public events are stricter. Here’s what to look out for.
Know Your Audience Size Before Anything Else
Stage size is largely determined by two things: what’s going on on stage — band, DJ, speaker, performers — and how many people are watching. A corporate presentation for 100 people needs a very different setup to a 500-person outdoor concert.
Our stages range from a 6m x 5m compact unit suited to smaller events up to our 8m x 6m Performance stage which handles full band setups and audiences up to 500. For larger or bespoke requirements, we can discuss custom builds.
Access in London — It Matters More Than You Think
Getting a stage into a London venue or park requires more planning than most people expect. Our vehicles need a clear route to the site, and for larger stages the unloading area needs to accommodate long vehicles. If you’re in a park or urban space, check with the relevant borough or parks authority about access restrictions and whether a road closure is needed.
Do You Need Permission?
For most private events, no. For public events in London — especially anything in a park, on a highway or with amplified music — you’ll likely need a temporary events notice (TEN) at minimum, and potentially a premises licence for larger gatherings.
We always recommend checking with the relevant local authority early. We’re happy to advise based on what we’ve seen before, but the legal responsibility sits with the event organiser.
Safety Is Non-Negotiable
Every stage we build is erected by our trained crew and checked before handover. We don’t cut corners on anchoring, load ratings or stability — and if something doesn’t look right, we’ll tell you.
Ask any stage hire company for their public liability insurance certificate and make sure it covers the scope of your event. If they can’t produce it, walk away.
What About PA and Lighting?
We offer a range of add-ons including PA systems, basic stage wash lighting, festoon and ambient lighting, uplighters and starcloth backdrops. Everything is set up by our team so you don’t need to coordinate multiple suppliers.
Get in touch to discuss your London event and we’ll put together a quote that covers everything you need.