Al fresco must-knows – tips and tricks for summer successes
We think June is a bit like Christmas Eve, here at Wheathill Towers. The promise and delights of summer lie ahead. People come out of hibernation to worship long days and sunshine. It’s a glorious time of year.  Sure the weather is unpredictable, but let’s be optimistic and plan to eat, drink and be merry in the great outdoors...
Drinks receptions, picnics, and wedding parties
What do all these events have in common? The need for a splendid soundtrack, as well as cracking location.
If the gods are kind and bestow warm rays, yipee.  If they don’t, it needn’t spell disaster. Rona and Heather have been having a think about what you need to know to make your alfresco event a big success…
Acoustic
If you’re hoping to hold your reception outdoors you’re safer going for musicians who can play unamplified so that they can move indoors easily at the first sign of rain. Acoustic acts take less time to set up and break down, and there are fewer logistical challenges so they tend to be more flexible. Â
Amplified
But an event in the outdoors won’t have the benefit of indoor acoustics. So, if you do decide to amplify, Don’t forget to provide speakers throughout your event space to ensure all guests can enjoy the music, entertainment or speeches you have scheduled.
Also ensure you consider the neighbours, there may be restrictions on what time you can continue to play music through loud speakers.
Roving
Great for crowd control, covering large areas and engaging your audience, roving acts come in all manner of guises. An up tempo Brazilian samba group or Mardi Gras brass explosion will get hips wiggling and feet jiggling.
Downpours
It goes without saying that you will need a backup plan in case of a downpour. Versatile venues, flexible catering and agile production are essential.
Shelter
It’s not just your guests that need protecting from the elements. Expensive musical instruments are damaged by sun and rain. You’ll need to provide shelter for these precious assets.
Finally, a word of warning – always get permission to play!
The sun was shining, and clear blue skies complimented the stunning rose gardens of Hyde Park that day. A lavish picnic launching the highest of high tea hampers awaited the cream of the British foodie press, due to arrive any second.  Squirrels quivered with excitement from the branches above the summer feast. Then…
Pastoral perfection, ruined
Everything seemed perfect. Apart from the siren shattering the pastoral tranquility as a Royal Parks constabulary Landrover skidded to a halt beside the cheese table. Four officers leapt out, declared proceedings to be unlawful and demanded the event be packed up and removed instantly. Cue a number of very red faces.
Love-all
It transpired that the necessary paperwork granting permission for this event was never officially granted. A real event for a very high profile, high-end retailer with a dedicated events team. A few frantic phone calls later, (someone played tennis with the right person at Queens), and the Landie slowly pulled away as the first journalists sauntered up to take their first glass of champagne...
The moral of story? Always Get The Proper Permits.
Permission to party in public places, The Royal Parks are hot on this. And if you intend to play pre-recorded music, this includes PRS and/or PPL licenses. PRS (Performing Rights for Music) and PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) are separate organisations who license different sets of rights in the use of music. You may need a licence from both organisations....
Confused?Â
Contact usÂ
We’re dab hands with bridging the bureaucratic gaps, as well as sorting out a sparkling soundtracks for summer success of all shapes, sizes and locations!
