Acoustic Consultancy for Music Festivals
Applications to Planning and Licensing, Propagation Analysis and Event Monitoring
We have extensive experience in the planning and noise monitoring of live music festivals and other entertainment events. Guidance issued by the Noise Council on Environmental Noise Control at Concerts is used to quantify music noise as received at nearby dwellings. We can provide pre-event survey work and liaise with Environmental Health and Licensing to assist in obtaining permission for a festival.
Planning, Licensing and Environmental Control
Live music festivals and large outdoor events are typically subject to planning permission, premises licensing and detailed environmental controls. Noise conditions are often set by the local authority to protect nearby communities while allowing events to operate successfully.
We provide clear, technically robust advice to support festival planning and licensing, drawing on recognised guidance for the assessment and control of music noise. This can include pre-event baseline surveys, prediction of off-site music noise levels, liaison with Environmental Health Officers and agreement of appropriate noise limits and monitoring arrangements.
Our approach is pragmatic and experience-led, recognising the dynamic nature of live events and the need for noise control measures that are achievable in practice, proportionate to the scale of the event, and defensible if challenged.
Live Event Monitoring
Monitoring is usually undertaken at all times when music is played over the course of a festival lasting several days and we can stay on site if necessary to provide a round-the-clock service. We can work with the event organisers and sound engineering companies before the event takes place to ensure that the design of the event is acoustically intelligent and the feasibility of the site is maximised.
Useful information is fed back to sound engineers during the event to ensure that the sound quality at front of house is optimised while levels at nearby dwellings remain within the requirements of the local authority and licensing. Third octave analyses are performed on measured results so specific requests can be made for adjustments on individual instruments and at particular problem frequencies – we won’t just tell you to turn it down!
Complaints Investigation & PR
During an event we can respond to complaints and visit complainants if required. We have found that this direct attendance, with explanation of the levels that must be adhered to and how noise control is implemented can effectively deal with complaint situations.
We are aware that we are often the face of the festival that members of the public see during an event and so strive to represent events and the organisers in a professional, helpful and courteous manner.
Previous Festival Work
We have provided acoustic consultancy, monitoring and licensing support for a wide range of music festivals and large-scale live events over several decades, from major touring festivals to long-running regional and dance music events.
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Large outdoor and touring festivals
Deer Shed Festival (North Yorkshire), Gateways Festival (Skipton), Slam Dunk (Leeds), ‘Mychoone’ & ‘Run to The Hills,’ Derbyshire -
Stadium and city-centre events
DonnyFest (Doncaster Stadium), Stadium Weekender (Scunthorpe), -
Dance music and late-night events
Renaissance dance music events, Brocklesby Estate Rave (Lincolnshire), Summerball (Leeds)
David Garritt BEng MIOA
Director and Acoustic Consultant
Speak to an Acoustic Consultant
If you would like to talk to us about any aspect of acoustics and how we can help, please do not hesitate to contact us:
e-mail: contact@sdgarritt.co.uk
Phone: Doncaster main office, 01302 854 303
David Garritt’s mobile, 07894 073 973
Elizabeth Garritt BSc AMIOA
Acoustic Consultant