Pollution

Outdoor Events

Many outdoor events, particularly those held during the summer, incorporate some noise activities. These may include music, fireworks, fairgrounds, public address systems or generators. Most of these events occur only occasionally at any one venue, but sometimes events occur regularly at the same site. Noise can therefore be a source of annoyance to local residents, and measures should be taken to minimise it.

Those responsible for arranging events should consider the potential for noise at the planning stage. The Pollution Control Team within Environmental Health can be contacted for advice. Considerations should include:

Music Noise

- What type of music– live or recorded?
- Where will the music be played?
- What time will the music by playing?
- For how long?
- Where are the nearest residential premises?

Fireworks

- What time will the display take place?
- How noisy will the fireworks be?
- Have you advised local residents?

Fairgrounds

- Where will the fair be located?
- Will it clash with other music noise?
- Have you advised the operator of noise restrictions?
- What time will it be operating?

Public Address System

- Are they volume controlled?
- Will they be used as little as possible?
- Do they just cover the area required?
- Do they incorporate directional speakers?

Generators

- Are they necessary – could mains power be supplied?
- Can temporary shielding be provided?
- Do they incorporate sound insulation?
- Are they sited away from housing?

For further information, contact the Pollution Control Team who produce a guide for outside events.

SERVICES A-Z

Noise Control

Noise
Building Site Noise
Road Traffic Noise
Railway Noise
Pubs and Clubs
Private Parties
Noise and the Law
National Society for Clean Air (NSCA)
Noisy Parties
Noisy Neighbours
Burglar Alarms
Car Alarms
Commercial Noise
Aircraft Noise