How Andrews Sykes Keeps UK Festival Crowds Cool (And Safe)

June marks the start of the UK’s peak music festival season – and with it comes the challenge of keeping thousands of people safe, cool, and comfortable. From Parklife Festival (14–15 June) to Isle of Wight (19–22 June) and Glastonbury (25–29 June), the calendar is packed with major events drawing massive crowds, long days, and rising temperatures. 

While sunshine sets the perfect tone for open-air music, the reality behind the scenes can be much less glamorous. From heat fatigue backstage to food safety concerns in catering zones, the warm weather can introduce serious logistical and safety risks if left unmanaged. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how Andrews Sykes supports the UK’s biggest festivals with fast and reliable cooling solutions that help events stay safe, smooth, and summer-ready.  

portable air conditioning rentals

Why is Cooling So Crucial for Festivals?  

Backstage and artist compounds: 

Performers need to be at their best when they step on stage. High temperatures in enclosed green rooms or trailers can quickly lead to fatigue or heat stress. Reliable cooling can keep artists comfortable and help them recharge between sets, keeping performance levels high and delays at bay.  

VIP and hospitality areas: 

Premium ticket holders, media, and sponsors expect an environment that reflects their investment. Whether it’s a luxury lounge or a shaded garden marquee, portable air conditioning rentals and chiller hire units can help maintain a polished and comfortable experience.  

Medical tents and first aid areas: 

The risk of heat-related illness increases when crowds gather and temperatures rise. Cooling plays a critical role in supporting triage areas and preventing health issues from escalating. A well-cooled medical tent offers relief for festivalgoers while help staff work safely and effectively.  

Catering and food prep zones: 

Food safety is non-negotiable. Hot, humid kitchens and storage areas create a breeding ground for bacteria and increase the risk of spoilage. With the right cooling, food will remain fresh and safe to serve, and conditions are much more bearable for catering teams. 

Crew, technicians and security hubs: 

Staff working long shifts in the heat are more prone to fatigue and errors. Keeping security teams, technicians, and crew members cool behind the scenes helps to maintain alertness and performance.  

portable air conditioning hire

How Andrews Sykes Supports the UK’s Biggest Festivals  

Portable cooling units for any event space: 

From artist compounds to first aid tents, our cooling solutions are versatile, compact, and powerful – ideal for every corner of the festival site. 

Flexible hire to match multi-day setups: 

Whether you need cooling for a one-day event or a week-long build-up, our cooling packages, including air conditioning hire packages, flex to match your schedule and site demands.  

Fast delivery across the UK: 

With depots nationwide, we’re able to quickly deploy the equipment you need and get it on your site – often within just four hours.  

24/7 support during live events: 

Our engineers are on call at all times, giving you the peace of mind you need throughout your event.  

Silent operation: 

Our systems are designed for quiet performance, ensuring they cool without disrupting audio, ambience, or conversation. 

Emergency cover for cooling system failures: 

If your existing systems can’t cope – or fail entirely – we can step in quickly with replacement units to keep things running without disruption.  

air conditioning engineers

Festival-Ready Cooling for Comfort and Safety 

From headline acts to hospitality tents, at Andrews Sykes, we’re here to ensure every part of the festival experience stays cool, safe, and enjoyable. With rising June temperatures and multi-day crowd events, cooling solutions are a vital part of your event strategy.  

Whether you’re after aircon hire, chiller rentals, or anything in-between, we’ll make sure your event is festival-ready, no matter how high the temperature climbs.  

Give us a call on 0800 211 611 or contact us online for the cooling solutions your event deserves.  

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