Halloween’s fast approaching, and for event teams, that usually means busy weekends, late nights, and a lot of logistics. Whether you’re setting up a community bonfire, a Halloween trail, or a themed night outdoors, the build-up can be just as important as the event itself. Getting everything in place safely, on time and without stress makes all the difference once the gates open.

That’s where good planning and the right tool hire equipment comes in. From lighting and power to access hire gear and clean-up tools, having the right kit to hand helps everything run smoothly, and that’s exactly what we’re here for at Smiths Hire!
Lighting up your event
Once evening arrives, lighting becomes one of the most important parts of your setup. It creates atmosphere, helps people find their way, and keeps the site safe for visitors and staff. Poor lighting makes even the best events feel disorganised and can quickly become a safety concern.

If you’re working outdoors, focus on key areas such as entrances, walkways, car parks and catering zones. Lighting towers are ideal for covering large spaces, while festoon lighting adds warmth and visibility along paths or around marquees. For construction or back-of-house areas, LED floodlights provide strong, reliable coverage. Our range of portable lighting solutions at Smiths Hire helps you build a safe, welcoming space that looks professional once the sun goes down!

Reliable power for every setup
Every successful event needs dependable power. Lights, catering units, sound systems and heating all rely on it, and a solid setup prevents interruptions once guests arrive.
Our generator hire range covers everything from compact portable units for smaller events to larger diesel models capable of running full sites. For extended events or off-grid locations, a fuel bowser is a smart addition to keep your power running without constant refills. Having the right generator on site keeps things simple, safe and consistent, whether you’re powering lights, PA systems or catering stations.

Building and decorating safely
Turning an empty space into a full event site requires time, coordination and proper access. Trying to hang decorations or install lighting without the right equipment is a common cause of delays and accidents.

Our access hire range includes scissor lifts, podium steps and ladders that make setup work safer and more efficient. Scissor lifts provide extra reach for lighting rigs or large props, while alloy towers allow flexibility when working across different areas of a venue.
We also stock cordless drills, impact drivers and tool kits to support build crews and contractors who need to assemble structures or install features quickly.

Managing movement and safety
Once your event is open, clear organisation is non-negotiable. Without structured walkways or barriers, crowds can form bottlenecks and safety risks increase. Good site flow helps everyone enjoy themselves and makes staff coordination easier.

At Smiths Hire, we can supply barriers, fencing and ground protection mats to create safe, accessible routes around your venue. These are especially useful on soft or uneven ground, where heavy foot traffic can cause damage. Two-way radios are another practical addition, allowing staff to stay in contact throughout the site and respond quickly if something needs attention.
Efficient clean-up
When the event ends, a quick and effective clean-up helps you finish on a high note. Mud, litter and debris build up fast, particularly outdoors, but the right equipment turns this into a straightforward task.
Our pressure washers, sweepers and vacuums make post-event cleaning faster and easier, allowing you to restore the space to its original condition without delay. For leaf-covered or open-air areas, garden blowers and vacuums are a simple way to clear debris before it becomes a problem. A tidy site reflects well on your team and keeps you in good standing with venues, councils and sponsors.

Halloween may be one of the busier times of year for seasonal events, but the same approach applies to bonfire nights, Christmas markets and outdoor festivals, too, so it’s never too early to start thinking ahead!

For more than 50 years, our team at Smiths Hire has supported event teams across the North West and Yorkshire. With same-day delivery available before and 18 tool hire depots across the region, our team is here to help you get the right tools when you need them. If you’re preparing for Halloween or planning your next event, we can help you organise a smooth, safe and efficient setup from start to finish. Just give our team a call on 0333 323 2100!

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