certs and Fairs
effects. Public performance licences will also be required. Specialist event companies will tend to arrange this as necessary. In order to look at the probable issues for say a festival, the criteria would be set-up, parking and transport, the event itself, post event break down and remedial actions. It is probably worth noting that the timing of an event is critical to recovery. In situations where irrigation is not available, then the earlier the event is held during the growing season, the more time there is for recovery. Following midsummer events, pitch recovery can be difficult if the weather becomes dry.
Set-up
This involves the bringing in of large items such as the stage, concessions marquees, toilet blocks, caravans, etc. To allow this, there will need to be basic structural installations such as roadways, water pipes and possibly electrics. Sewerage options will also need to be considered.
On the face of it, this seems relatively simple with good planning and site management. However, it is my experience that roadways are rarely put in the right places and are often not wide enough. Typically, roads are plastic or steel sections laid onto the turf to support the load. This is fine in dry conditions but, in wet years such as the last two summers, it could mean the road is compressed into the turf. Tight turns often mean that vehicles which drive off the roadways can then get stuck. The damage that even a small laden lorry can do to a sports pitch is heartbreaking, leaving ruts or trenches often 300mm deep and even completely flattening drainage pipes below the surface. The solution is easy. Route roadways, if possible, off pitches and ensure they are wide enough on corners. Also make sure that someone is directly responsible for marshalling vehicles to avoid off-road ventures. There may be some merit on areas of excellent quality turf to remove and store the turf for future replacement.
The road may prevail for up to a month for a big event and this will invariably mean the grass will be dead underneath. Ensure at the planning stage that grass replacement via seed or turf is budgeted for. On larger concert venues where a pitch is covered for seating, aim to keep the covers down for the least period possible. Humidity under the covers can cause rampant disease and a preventative fungicide treatment needs to be considered. Some of the rigid plastic covers are translucent and this can help keep the grass healthy.
A final important aspect is to keep a
record of all trees, roads and features as damage inevitably occurs. Photographic records are one good way of retaining irrefutable records.
Car parking
This is always potentially difficult as the vehicle numbers and weather always mean the results are unpredictable. As with the main set up, planning is essential. The access routes need to be
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