Beat the heat at summer events and festivals with evaporative coolers

When summer arrives, events and festivals thrive. From small outdoor wedding receptions to international concerts and carnivals – the summer is the perfect time for a celebration.

Even at the most well-planned summer events, climate control is often overlooked. As temperatures rise, attendee comfort declines, and the risk of illness and accidents grows.

Temperature control is a critical part of planning large events. Below we explain the dangers of uncontrolled heat, and why evaporative coolers are the most practical, powerful and efficient solution.

The key cooling challenges at events and festivals

From intimate venues and marquees to the largest outdoor festivals – summer weather presents significant challenges for event organisers:

Hot temperatures and dense crowds

High energy levels. Packed dancefloors. Tight spaces. In congested crowds at events and festivals, heat exhaustion is a constant threat – especially at the hottest times of year.

Without consistent cooling, the heat can quickly disrupt your audience’s comfort and happiness, and cause dangerous health concerns, including:

• Heatstroke

• Muscle cramps

• Dehydration

• Burns

• Fainting

Unventilated tents and marquees

Tents and marquees are designed to protect guests from the elements. However, their waterproof fabrics and materials often result in a lack of ventilation.

When heat becomes trapped inside tents, it puts attendees at serious risk of dehydration, exhaustion and life-threatening illnesses.

Changing venue sizes and configurations

Different areas of an event venue have varying climate control needs. For instance, crowded ticket lines and food service areas may need dedicated air cooling due to high occupancy.

An effective cooling strategy for each part of your venue is crucial for a consistent experience for attendees.

Electronic malfunctions and power outages

Left unchecked, excessive heat can seriously damage audio equipment, lights, video screens, and mixing desks, leading to malfunctions and breakdowns.

Not only can power outages ruin the event for your attendees. They generate costly repairs and refunds, affecting your event’s profitability.

Evaporative cooling systems: The standout solution for summer events

To beat the summer heat, event planners often install fans as the quickest, cheapest fix. However, in enclosed venues, fans only recirculate warm air instead of cooling the space.

Enter evaporative cooling systems. Harnessing the natural power of desiccation, portable evaporative coolers bring fresh, cool air to every corner of your events and festivals, protecting people’s comfort and welfare in the hottest temperatures.

How do evaporative coolers work?

Portable evaporative coolers use cooling pads to lower air temperatures. A silent fan pushes warm air through the cooling pads, which stay wet thanks to the in-built pump and water tank.

The wet pads absorb the heat and cause the water to evaporate. Cool air is generated, which is returned to the area for consistent, reliable cooling.

Why choose an evaporative cooler over a portable air-conditioning unit?

An evaporative cooling unit offers numerous benefits for indoor and outdoor events when compared to a portable air-conditioner:

• Using fewer components, evaporative coolers are up to 90% more energy-efficient and cost-effective than air-conditioners

• They introduce fresh outdoor air instead of recirculating stale air

• They are effective in both enclosed spaces and open-air venues

• The cooling capacity of evaporative coolers increases as temperatures rise

• They provide better control over humidity levels

• They are eco-friendly, using no chemicals or refrigerants

For more information on the benefits of evaporative cooling, read our insight: “What is evaporative cooling and is it better than traditional air-conditioning?”

Where can evaporative coolers make a difference at events and festivals?

Evaporative cooling systems can provide much-needed relief in practically all types of summer festivals and events.

Concerts and festivals

As heatwaves become more common and festivals upscale, keeping cool at large concerts is increasingly difficult.

Evaporative coolers provide eco-friendly cooling for events, ensuring a fresh airflow for attendees to dance and party without fear of heat exhaustion.

Carnivals and fairs

Even the most fun-filled carnival or fair can be spoiled by excessive heat. Portable air coolers can be positioned anywhere people congregate, such as long lines for amusement rides.

Alternatively, evaporative coolers can be used to ‘spot cool’ rest areas for attendees and employees.

Weddings and family events

With the time and cost involved in planning weddings and family celebrations, you don’t want hot temperatures to ruin the occasion.

Evaporative outdoor air coolers quietly flow fresh air into a tent or marquee, and can be easily hidden from view during photo sessions.

Sporting events

Packed stadium crowds can struggle in the heat. Well-placed evaporative coolers ensure comfort for spectators, security and others, allowing them to enjoy the action.

Exhibitions

At exhibitions and trade shows, tents and temporary structures can become stuffy as they fill with people.

Evaporative air coolers can run in the background, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for attendees and exhibitors, so they aren’t distracted from the displays.

Charity events

Charity events in extremely hot conditions can discourage attendees and stop people from focusing on the purpose of the event.

Evaporative coolers comfortably handle the heat – as our units proved when they were used at a charity dinner in Singapore in temperatures over 36ºC.

5 essential features to consider when selecting an evaporative cooler

Evaporative cooling is the most energy-efficient and practical method to keep outdoor events cool at the height of summer.

But what separates a good unit from a great one? Here are 5 features you should prioritise when purchasing an evaporative air cooler for your festival or event.

1. Silent operation

You don’t want noise from your air cooler to disrupt any music at your events. Choose evaporative coolers with low noise levels and near-silent fans.

2. Quick deployment

Deploying an air cooler shouldn’t be complex. Prioritise evaporative coolers that have a “plug and play” principle, so it can start cooling your venues immediately.

3. Easy to refill

Portable coolers will occasionally need to be refilled with water, so choose a model that makes it simple. Also, look for coolers with large water tanks to minimise the number of refills.

4. Water safety

Prevent any worries about Legionella in the water tanks by purchasing an evaporative cooler with UV lamps that continuously disinfect the water.

5. Simple maintenance

Prioritising a robust, reliable evaporative cooler means you don’t have to worry about it breaking down in the middle of your event.

Overcome the summer heat at any scale with Dantherm Group evaporative coolers

At any indoor or outdoor event, the comfort and safety of attendees are of the utmost importance. Evaporative coolers help you guarantee they don’t suffer in sweltering summer temperatures.

As the European leaders in event and festival climate control, our wide range of portable evaporative coolers ensures you can handle the heat even on the hottest days of the year.

Engineered with decades of expertise and using the highest-quality components, our summer event cooling systems stand out for their incredible durability, effortless portability, and remarkable energy efficiency.

Plus, because every event or festival venue is unique, our experts work closely with you to determine the most suitable system for your needs – all supported by our global network of suppliers and service engineers.

Get in touch to learn more about our market-leading range of cooling systems.