Portable toilet hire tips for smooth-running Summer festivals

Hosting a summer festival or public event? We’re sharing expert tips to help you plan and manage your portable toilet hire so your guests stay comfortable!

We’re right in the thick of Summer now, and that means one thing – festival season is well and truly underway. Whether it’s a music event, outdoor food market, agricultural show, or any other kind of public gathering, you’ll need the right facilities in place to keep things comfortable and compliant.

If you caught our last post about portable toilet hire, you’ll already know how many toilets you need for your event. Now, we’re sharing practical tips to help make your portable toilet hire experience as smooth as possible, whether you hire online or from one of our 18 depots across the North West. With over 55 years of experience behind us, we provide units and gear that are easy to install and simple to use, giving you one less thing to worry about so you can focus on delivering a great event.

Plan your layout around footfall

Once you know how many toilets you need, the next step is deciding where to place them. Spreading units evenly across your site, especially near the more high-traffic spots like entrances, main stages, bars and food stalls, helps reduce bottlenecks and keeps queues manageable. Well-placed toilets also means your visitors spend less time waiting around or hunting for a toilet and more time enjoying the event. Also, think about keeping access feasible for servicing vehicles so emptying and cleaning can happen without disrupting the crowd.

Upgrade to hot wash units for added comfort

To add an extra bit of comfort to the experience for your guests, you can hire a few of our hot wash portable toilets in addition to the standard portable toilet. These units have internal lighting and hot water, providing a more comfortable and hygienic environment ideal for events that run into the evening or even if you just want to add an extra element of luxury to VIP areas. They do require a standard 3-pin power connection, either from a generator or a mains supply, which is worth keeping in mind if this is an option you want to explore.

Prepare for the weather

We know that the unpredictable British weather is always at the forefront of event planners’ minds when planning an event up North, but what’s often overlooked is how it will affect your portable toilets. You don’t want to place units out in direct sunlight where they’ll become uncomfortable for users on a hot day, nor do you want them sitting in the middle of a field where rain could cause flooding or muddy, slippery access. Instead, you’ll want to position the toilets in shaded, stable areas with firm ground and good drainage. Our toilets are built to withstand the elements, featuring stay-clean walls, non-slip flooring, and sturdy fittings, which enable them to handle the weather. However, thoughtful placement makes all the difference in keeping them usable and comfortable throughout your event, especially if it’s over a period of days.

Think about accessibility

Accessibility is also something you’ll want to keep in mind when planning your toilet setup. Make sure your portable toilets are placed on firm, level ground with wide, clear paths so that wheelchair users and anyone with limited mobility can get around easily and safely. It’s also a good idea to leave plenty of space around the toilets to avoid cramped spots where people might get stuck or feel uncomfortable. Clear signs pointing to any accessible toilets on site can really help visitors find what they need without any trouble. These simple steps are more than a box-ticking exercise; it’s about ensuring all your guests stay comfortable and can use the facilities easily throughout your event.

Of course, if there’s anything we haven’t covered in our blogs or on our toilet hire page, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our friendly team. We’re happy to answer any questions you have. Whether you choose to hire online or from one of our 18 depots across the North West, we’ll help you get the basics sorted so your event runs smoothly and successfully from start to finish! Just give us a call on 0333 323 2100 or visit your local depot.