Community events are the lifeblood of many English villages, bringing residents together for a day of celebration, laughter and shared experiences.
Traditional village fêtes, lively carnivals, harvest festivals and charity fun runs are just a few examples of quintessentially English community events that take place each across the country, and it’s fair to say that these events have a timeless charm that embodies the essence of community spirit. Planning a successful community event, however, requires more than just enthusiasm – it needs careful organisation and the right equipment to make the day enjoyable for everyone.
From seating and tables to hire for competitions to BBQ hire for catering, every detail matters. In this guide, we’ll explore the best options for temporary equipment hire for community events in terms of what to look for, and what to look out for, in terms of products, service and prices.
Village fêtes are iconic events that evoke the charm of rural England. These celebrations often feature a mix of games, stalls, competitions and refreshments, offering something for everyone. The horticultural competition is a highlight of many village fêtes, where local gardeners display their best produce, flowers and arrangements. To create a professional and appealing display, trestle tables are essential. They provide ample space for competitors to showcase their entries, while also offering a sturdy and reliable surface that’s easy to set up and dismantle.
Short term seating is another important consideration for village fêtes and other similar events. Folding chairs to hire are a practical option for temporary seating, as they can be easily transported, set up, and stored away once the event is over. These temporary chairs are affordable and comfortable, making them ideal for a day-long event where people will be coming and going. You might also consider renting deckchairs, which add a touch of nostalgia and relaxation to the event, offering attendees a comfortable spot to sit back and enjoy the sunshine – that is, of course, assuming that the famously unpredictable English weather cooperates!
Additionally, many village fêtes feature a stage area where local musicians, speakers or officials can address the crowd. This might require equipment hire such as temporary stage hire, for example, with enough seating arranged in front to accommodate the audience.
For the catering area, traditional wooden picnic benches or folding picnic tables are ideal for communal dining. These benches create a welcoming environment where families and friends can gather to enjoy food and drinks, adding to the convivial atmosphere of the event. As a practical touch, hiring commercial BBQ equipment, such as one of our 6ft BBQ grills, is a great idea for serving up hot dogs, burgers and other classic festival food – you choose!
Carnivals and harvest festivals are vibrant, colourful events that celebrate the culture, history and agricultural heritage of English villages. These events often feature parades, live entertainment, food stalls, and games, drawing in large crowds from the local area. When organising a carnival or harvest festival, it’s important to consider both the comfort of your attendees and the practical needs of your stallholders.
Short term furniture hire for these events often includes larger communal seating options, such as picnic benches or outdoor tables, where families and groups of friends can sit together to eat and relax.
Hardwood patio sets with parasols are also a popular option, providing a touch of elegance while offering much-needed shade during warm, sunny days. These sets are particularly useful in catering areas or VIP zones, where guests may want to enjoy a more refined dining experience.
For food stalls and vendors, having the right catering equipment is crucial. Carnival equipment hire often includes water boilers, tea and coffee pots, cups and saucers, and insulated urns to keep beverages hot throughout the day. Temporary fridges are also a must for storing cold drinks and perishable items, especially during the warmer months. With proper catering equipment hire, you can ensure that vendors are well-prepared and can serve the crowd efficiently.
Another important consideration for carnivals and food festivals is hygiene. For events that include food preparation and service, portable handwash units are essential to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of germs. These units are especially important for food festivals or any event where food and drink are a central focus. By hiring portable handwash stations for events, you provide peace of mind for both vendors and attendees, ensuring that hygiene standards are upheld throughout the day.
Village parties and coffee mornings offer a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere compared to large-scale events like carnivals or fêtes. These gatherings often take place indoors, in community halls or local cafés, and focus on bringing people together for conversation, refreshments, and entertainment. For these smaller events, it’s important to create a warm, welcoming environment where attendees can feel comfortable and enjoy themselves.
Bistro tables and chairs are a great choice for creating cosy seating arrangements at village parties or coffee mornings. These compact yet stylish furniture sets are perfect for indoor use, allowing attendees to sit comfortably while enjoying their tea or coffee. Hiring bistro tables and chairs also adds a touch of sophistication to the event, especially if you’re expecting dignitaries or VIP guests. These tables can be arranged in small clusters, encouraging conversation and interaction among attendees.
For outdoor village parties, short term hire picnic tables or patio sets with parasols can be used to create a comfortable seating area where guests can enjoy the fresh air. These furniture options are perfect for events that spill out onto village greens or open spaces, providing plenty of seating for guests who want to relax and chat. And why not consider outdoor rattan furniture sets as an option, offering style and comfort in abundance!
Fun runs for charity are another popular type of community event, bringing together residents of all ages for a good cause. These events typically require minimal equipment compared to larger festivals or carnivals, but there are still a few key items that can make the day more enjoyable for participants and spectators alike.
For example, setting up a refreshment station is essential for keeping runners hydrated and energised, and trestle table hire is the perfect solution for this. Temporary equipment hire for fun runs might also include electric water boilers for hire for preparing hot drinks for volunteers, as well as temporary fridges for storing cold drinks and snacks at the finish line. Having these facilities on hand ensures that both participants and supporters can stay refreshed throughout the day.
Seating is also important at fun runs, particularly for spectators who will be waiting along the route to cheer on the runners. Folding chairs or deckchairs are ideal for creating temporary seating areas where people can sit comfortably while watching the race. These chairs can be easily set up along the course and moved around as needed.
When planning a community event, therefore, choosing the right equipment hire partner is essential to ensuring the success of the day. Here at Event Hire UK, we offer a wide range of furniture and catering equipment hire options, perfect for any type of community gathering. From folding chairs and picnic tables to BBQs and water boilers, Event Hire UK has everything you need to create a comfortable and well-organised event.
Reliability is a word often over-used. The last thing you want in the run-up to your charity event is to be worrying about whether your equipment is going to arrive in the right place, at the right time and in the right quality and quantity. That’s why when we talk about being a reputable and reliable event equipment hire supply company UK, we mean it.
Our years of experience have taught us well. That you want to work with a trustworthy company that delivers what it says it is going to deliver. With this in mind, therefore, we encourage you to take a look at what we offer and find out for yourself what makes us the premier equipment hire company in London and across the UK. We very much look forward to supplying your next event or occasion – let’s make it the best ever!
