Does my outdoor event need luxury toilet hire?

Planning a small outdoor community event is exciting, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One question that often arises is whether event toilet hire is necessary. While it may seem like a minor detail, having enough toilet facilities can significantly impact your event's success and attendee satisfaction.

The importance of toilet accessibility

Every public gathering, regardless of size, requires accessible toilet facilities. Whether you’re hosting a local farmers’ market, a small festival, or a neighbourhood get-together, guests will inevitably need to use the loo. Ignoring this necessity can lead to discomfort, early departures, and even potential complaints about the event.

Considerations when hiring portable toilets

When deciding if you need event toilet hire, consider the following key factors:

• Event duration - the length of your event plays a crucial role in determining toilet requirements. If your event lasts only an hour or two, you might not need to worry about portable toilet hire, especially if there are other facilities nearby. However, for events lasting four hours or more, it’s a good idea to provide facilities to ensure everyone’s comfort.
• Attendee numbers - the expected size of your crowd is another critical consideration. For a handful of attendees, existing facilities might be enough. But as the number of participants grows, so does the need for additional restrooms. As a general guideline, there should be at least one portable toilet for every 50 guests. See How to calculate the number of portable toilets you need for a public event for a better idea.
• Existing toilets - if your event is held at a venue where there are toilets available, you might not need to rent extra. However, always ensure the existing toilets can accommodate your expected crowd size without causing long queues or disruptions. Where there are no existing toilets, portable toilet hire becomes a necessity.
• Type of event - the nature of your event can influence toilet needs. Family-friendly events may require additional facilities, including baby-changing stations. Similarly, if food or beverages (especially alcohol) are served, the demand for toilets will increase!
• Accessibility requirements - events must comply with accessibility regulations as outlined in The Disability Act (2010) and The Equality Act (2010). This dictates that portable disabled toilets with features such as ramps and spacious interiors ensure inclusivity for attendees with disabilities.

Benefits of portable toilet hire

If you’re still on the fence about event toilet hire, consider the advantages it offers.

• Convenience - portable toilet trailers ensure attendees have easy access to facilities, enhancing their overall experience.
• Cleanliness – at Fortis Hire all our units are delivered in pristine, clean condition and are fully stocked with luxury hand soaps and moisturisers. 
• Flexibility – we offer a wide choice of luxury toilet and standard toilet options. From plastic portable toilets to luxury toilet trailers, we have facilities to suit your event’s scale and your budget.
• Avoid overcrowding and reduce queues - even if on-site toilets are available, portable toilet hire can reduce strain and minimise wait times.

How many portable toilets do you need?

If you decide that portable toilet hire is necessary, determining the right number is crucial. The Government suggests a minimum of one toilet for every 75 females and one for every 400 men. Guided by the Purple Book, the events guidebook published in conjunction with the HSE, we recommend adding 15-20% to this number, particularly where alcohol is being served.

At family-friendly events, extra units for parents with small children should be provided, with baby-changing facilities.

VIP areas – where your event offers VIP or designated areas for special guests, luxury toilet hire is the perfect solution. Our individual product descriptions give the capacity of each of our luxury toilets for hire. 

Extended durations - for all-day events, increase the number of units to accommodate peak times.

For further advice, see our article How many portable toilets do I need?

While it may seem like an extra expense, providing portable toilets for your small outdoor community event can make a significant difference. They ensure comfort, enhance the overall experience, and show attendees that their needs were thoughtfully considered. Evaluate the size, duration, and location of your event carefully, and make a decision that prioritises the convenience and satisfaction of your community members.

Portable toilet hire for outdoor events from Fortis Hire

In the first instance, where budget will impact the number of toilet trailers that can be hired, we always recommend portable disabled toilet hire, to meet the needs of all guests. We offer a luxury disabled toilet with baby-changing facilities, as well as a plastic disabled toilet. For events where there are limited existing toilet facilities, the luxury 2+1 toilet is ideal and features 2 ladies' toilets, 1 men's toilet and 2 urinals for up to 150 people over an 8-hour period. The 3+1 toilet unit is also popular. With 3 ladies’ toilets, 1 men’s toilet plus 3 urinals, this trailer will cater for up to 300 people across an 8-hour period.  For larger public events, we have our luxury 4+2 toilet, our portable vacuum toilets – great for the environmentally-conscious event organiser – and our economy event 4+2 toilet.

To find out more, call the team on 01525 643850 or email us at sales@fortishire.co.uk.