
Planning an outdoor event comes with a huge amount of behind-the-scenes organisation, and one of the most important elements is the sound system. If you’re searching for Outdoor Event PA Hire Yorkshire this guide explains exactly what you need for clear outdoor sound, professional event audio, and reliable communication. Whether it’s a charity fundraiser, sports day, horse show, gala, rally stage or village event, clear audio is essential for safety announcements, commentary and smooth running of the day.
To prepare properly, it’s always worth checking weather conditions ahead of time using the Met Office:
👉 https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/
✅ 1. Choose the Right Speakers for Outdoor Use
Outdoor, sound travels differently. Wind, distance and crowd noise can transform how speakers behave, so selecting the right outdoor PA system is crucial.
100V Line Horn Speakers (Best for Long Distance & Clear Voices)
These are the most effective option for:
- Horse shows
- Sports days
- Agricultural shows
- Car parks
- Rally commentary
- General field-based announcements
Why they work:
100V line horns provide long-distance speaker coverage with extremely clear speech — ideal for commentary, safety messages and public address system hire.
Full-Range Speakers (Best for Music & Atmosphere)
If your event includes music, warm-ups or background tracks, full-range speakers offer:
✔ Richer audio
✔ Wider sound coverage
✔ Higher quality music reproduction
These are perfect for East Yorkshire PA hire customers who want music played across a crowd area.
✅ 2. Plan Your Speaker Layout for Perfect Outdoor Sound
A well-planned layout ensures consistent sound coverage.
A reliable rule for outdoor PA setups:
🟨 Place speakers every 20–30 metres for smooth, even coverage.
This avoids loud “hot spots” and quiet “dead zones.”
A typical outdoor layout includes:
- Horn speakers on 3–4m poles
- Central full-range speakers for main areas
- 100V line cable runs
- Weather-protected amplifier areas
For safe planning and public event compliance, review HSE Event Safety Guidance:
👉 https://www.hse.gov.uk/event-safety/

✅ 3. Do You Need a Commentary Unit?
A commentary cabin is the control centre for your whole event and allows you to run the day smoothly.
Our commentary units include:
- Professional mixing desk
- Wired gooseneck microphone
- Speaker zoning control
- Power distribution
- Clear outdoor visibility
- Commentary system hire options
Perfect for:
🏇 Horse events • 🏁 Rallies • ⚽ Sports days • 🎪 Agricultural shows
A commentary unit instantly upgrades your event sound solutions and gives you a professional base to run the event confidently.
✅ 4. Power Planning (Generators, Cables & Safety)
Reliable power is essential for any outdoor PA installation.
Checklist:
✔ Quiet event generator
✔ Correct wattage for PA equipment and radios
✔ Safe cable management
✔ Fuel supply for long days
✔ Weatherproofing
✔ Stable, level ground placement

✅ 5. Two-Way Radios for Smooth Event Communication
Two-way radios are crucial for event communication setup and safety.
Radios allow instant coordination between:
- Gate teams
- Parking staff
- Stewards
- Marshals
- Organisers
- Commentary box staff
We supply Hytera two-way radios with spare batteries, earpieces and charging stations for full-day events.
To stay compliant with radio rules, check Ofcom regulations:
👉 https://www.ofcom.org.uk/
Adding radios ensures your team has reliable two-way radio communication, especially in large open fields.

✅ 6. Microphones and Announcements
The right microphone type makes a big difference outdoors.
Recommended options:
🎤 Wired gooseneck mic – best for commentary desks
🎤 Wireless handheld – ideal for presenters & mobile hosts
🎤 Headset mic – perfect for fitness, sports and demonstrations
These microphone hire options ensure clear, stable audio for all speaking roles.
✅ 7. Weather Protection & Event Safety Essentials
Outdoor equipment needs proper protection and planning.
We use:
- Weatherproof covers
- Cable ramps
- Secure speaker pole fixing
- Generator shielding
- Hazard management setups
This keeps your outdoor audio setup safe, reliable and professional throughout the event.

✅ 8. Real Example: Outdoor Event Sound Setup in East Yorkshire
Event: School Sports Day, East Yorkshire
Equipment Provided:
- 6 × long-distance horn speakers
- Commentary unit
- Professional Sennheiser microphone
- Hytera radios for organisers
- Power distribution + generator
- Full delivery & setup with on-site support
Result:
📢 Excellent speech clarity across the full field
🎧 Seamless team communication
✔ High-quality, reliable PA equipment
🌦 Fully weather-prepared installation
This is a perfect example of our complete outdoor sound package.
Planning an outdoor event in Yorkshire?
From showgrounds and sports fields to rallies and community gatherings, clear and reliable sound is essential. At R & J PA Hire, we provide professional outdoor PA systems, commentary units, and event communications designed for open environments.
Request a free quote or call us on 01964 624770 or 07889 438187 to discuss your event requirements.
Below English National Sheep Dog Trials video at Castle Howard, York
🚀 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR EVENT SOUND?
Clear, powerful and professional audio across East Yorkshire — backed by expert setup, reliable equipment and years of outdoor event experience.
🔥 GET A FREE QUOTE TODAY 🔥📞 07889 438187 | ✉️ [email protected]
📍 Covering Hull • Beverley • Driffield • Bridlington • Pocklington • Goole • Hornsea • Withernsea
Professional PA Hire • Commentary Units • Speaker Systems • Two-Way Radios
