Keeping your event powered can be stressful. Learn about the different types of power solutions for event planners and coordinators.
Understanding Your Event’s Power Requirements
It's crucial that event planners and coordinators assess exactly how much power is needed for their event, and what equipment it will be used for, before choosing a power supply. Each part of an event, such as lighting, sound systems, catering units, medical stations, and vendor stalls, requires a specific amount of electricity.
If the power supply is too low, these services may shut down or work poorly. By understanding the total power demand in advance, planners can choose the right power solution and distribution setup, ensuring there's consistent power throughout the event.
Incorrect or overloaded power setups can cause electrical fires, tripped circuits, or power cuts. In the UK, event organisers must follow health and safety regulations to prevent overloading and ensure that all power systems are installed safely. Knowing the total power demand beforehand allows planners to match the right generator and setup to the event’s needs and avoid technical problems.
Types of Generators for Different Event Sizes
One of the biggest benefits of using generators is their ability to supply power in areas without mains electricity. This gives planners the freedom to host events in parks, fields, beaches, and other remote locations.
With a generator, organisers can guarantee that every part of the event has access to electricity. Generators can also be repositioned or grouped together for larger events, making it easy to adapt to changing layouts or last-minute additions.
Small events, such as markets or charity runs, might only need portable generators to operate. These types of generators are compact, easy to move, and are suitable for powering basic equipment like lights, speakers, and tills.

Events like weddings or sports competitions often need silent or diesel-powered generators, which provide better power capacity and have low-noise technology.
Large-scale events typically require multiple generators or high-capacity models to handle stage lighting, large sound systems, vendor stalls, and broadcasting equipment.
Generators are a dependable, adaptable, and safe power solution for outdoor event planners. Generators ensure that everything runs smoothly - regardless of the location or the event's complexity.
Choosing Between Mains Power and Generators
The choice between using generators or a mains power supply depends on the event's location, size and the power needs of the equipment and facilities. The location of the event plays a big role in deciding between mains and generator power.
In built-up areas or venues with existing infrastructure, mains power may already be available. However, many outdoor events take place in parks, open fields, or remote sites where mains electricity isn't accessible. In these cases, generators are a practical and reliable solution, since they can provide power wherever it’s needed.
Understanding your event’s power needs is essential, as mains power can be limited in how much electricity it can provide, especially if several events are using the same source. Generators, on the other hand, can be used based on your exact power requirements.
Generators are also useful to have as a back-up option in the event of a power cut or overload. This is particularly important for events that rely on continuous power, such as concerts, marathons, or festivals with live broadcasting.
Using Lighting Towers for Night-Time or Low-Light Events
Lighting towers are an essential power solution for outdoor events held in the evening or during low-light conditions.
Lighting towers provide a reliable way to ensure safety, visibility, and a high-quality experience for attendees, staff, and performers.
When areas are well-lit, the risk of trips, falls, and accidents is greatly reduced. Lighting towers can be used to light up walkways, car parks, entrances, exits, and other high-traffic areas, helping people move around safely. Emergency services and medical staff can also work more effectively in well-lit conditions.

Proper lighting can make an event look more professional and visually appealing. Whether it’s a sporting event, outdoor concert, festival, or community gathering, lighting towers help create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. They ensure that key areas, such as stages, food stalls, and audience zones, are well-lit, even after sunset.
Modern lighting towers are quick to install and can be moved easily. They are also available in different sizes and power levels. Many models are fitted with fuel-efficient or low-noise technology, making them suitable for events where noise and environmental impact must be kept to a minimum.
For night-time or low-light outdoor events, lighting towers are a practical, safe, and effective solution. They help event planners create a secure, inviting environment.
Bristol Event Generators provides reliable generator hire services for events across Bristol and the surrounding areas. We can provide a range of generators to suit all types of power requirements. We ensure you have access to dependable power wherever and whenever you need it.