Planning a festival or community event can be really rewarding, when done properly you’ll have crowds mingling, music filling the air and people making loads of fond memories. Behind all the excitement though, there’s a lot to organise.
At Barlens, we help Canberra organisers transform ordinary spaces into exciting experiences, providing everything from marquees and furniture to party supplies Canberra locals love.
If you’re planning a festival or event in your local community, here’s a few things to be aware of and a few tips to make your day stress-free, fun and memorable!
Every successful event begins with careful event planning.
It’s important to define the essentials so you have a clear strategy from the outset.
Your event type and scale. Are you hosting a music festival, a community celebration, a local food and wine showcase? The type of event will determine the kind and amount of equipment, seating and shelter you’ll need to organise.
Budgeting. Having a clear budget upfront helps you prioritise what’s essential for hire. It also allows you to explore upgrades or fun extras like themed décor, lighting or entertainment areas.
Timeline. Set a realistic timeline for booking suppliers, setting up the site and promoting your event. Festival logistics often involve coordinating multiple teams, so the earlier you plan, the smoother it will go.
A well devised plan makes hiring equipment simpler because you’ll know exactly what you need, from marquees and furniture to catering equipment and party supplies. Canberra locals are renowned for supporting festivals and community gatherings, so you’ll almost always have a big crowd to keep happy and comfortable!
When hiring for a festival or community event, infrastructure is everything.
You need to make sure your venue can handle your guests comfortably and safely. Professional event hire providers offer a range of solutions that cover:
Shelter and marquees to protect your guests from unpredictable Canberra weather while creating central hubs for activities or dining.
Versatile options for seating and tables as this will allow you to customise layouts for workshops, dining areas or performance zones.
Professional audio/visual equipment to ensure everyone can see and hear clearly, whether you’re hosting live music, speeches or presentations.
Nothing kills a festival vibe faster than safety concerns.
Good event hire companies also provide advice on setup, spacing and compliance. This is really important for community events where children, families and larger crowds are involved.
Make sure your event hire company can guide you on:
- Crowd control measures such as temporary fencing, barriers and signage
- Safe installation of marquees and stages
- Emergency access and exits
- Compliance with local regulations and permits
Taking these precautions ensures your event is enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved.
Small touches can make a huge difference.
Consider adding elements that encourage social engagement like photo booths, games or interactive installations. All of these extras create a welcoming, festive atmosphere that can really help to make your event fun and memorable. Festivalgoers and community participants are more likely to have a positive experience if they feel involved and entertained throughout the day.
One of the greatest advantages of using a professional event hire service is flexibility.
Need extra tables last minute? Want to swap a marquee for a larger one due to a bigger crowd than expected? Reliable providers can adjust to meet your needs, which is priceless when coordinating large festivals or unpredictable community events.
At Barlens, we’re passionate about helping organisers deliver incredible events. Our team offers expert advice, flexible hire options and high-quality event hire equipment to suit every type of event.
Ready to make your next festival or community event unforgettable? Contact us today for all your event hire needs.
