How to plan toilets & welfare facilities for indoor and outdoor events

Planning an event is exciting – but when it comes to toilets, showers, and welfare facilities, it can feel a bit daunting. Events that span indoor and outdoor areas, or run across multiple days, bring extra challenges. Too few facilities or poorly placed units can leave attendees and staff frustrated. With some simple planning, you can make sure everyone stays comfortable, compliant, and happy.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CROWD

Start by thinking about:

• ✔️Attendee numbers and demographics – How many people will be attending at peak times? Are there any special accessibility needs?
• ✔️Duration and schedule – Multi-day events need more frequent refills, cleaning, and shower servicing.
• ✔️Staff requirements – Don’t forget your site crews and contractors.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MIX OF FACILITIES

• – Standard portable toilets – Essential for any event, cost-effective and reliable.
• – VIP or luxury trailers – Perfect for high-profile guests or sponsors who expect a little extra comfort.
• – Accessible units – Must comply with UK accessibility regulations and ensure inclusivity.
• – Showers – Ideal for multi-day events, construction sites, or outdoor festivals where attendees and staff may need to freshen up.
• – Welfare cabins – Great for staff breaks, changing, or safe storage.

PLACEMENT AND LOGISTICS

• – High-traffic areas – Toilets and showers should be easy to find but not in the way of the main event flow.
• – Separate entrances/exits – Helps with hygiene and smooth movement.
• – Easy access for servicing – Plan vehicle routes for emptying, refilling, and shower servicing without disruption.
• – Lighting and safety – Make sure paths are visible, especially for evening or outdoor events.

ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSIVITY

All events need to meet UK legal standards for accessible facilities. Accessible toilets and showers should be:

• ✅Clearly signposted and easy to reach.
• ✅Equipped with grab rails, wide doors, and enough space for wheelchair users.
• ✅Close enough to VIP areas if needed, without compromising general access.

PLANNING GUIDANCE FOR TOILET UNITS

To help plan the right number of toilets for your event, consider both maximum attendance and the duration of the event.

For example:

• – Small events (50–500 attendees) generally need 2–4 toilets per hour.
• – Medium events (1,000–3,000 attendees) may require 6–18 toilets, depending on how long the event runs.
• – Large events (5,000–10,000 attendees) often need 20–68 toilets, especially for events lasting a full day or more.

These numbers give a simple guideline to ensure attendees stay comfortable and hygiene standards are met. For a detailed breakdown by attendance and duration, you can check the table on our Portable Event Toilet Hire page.

PRACTICAL PLANNING CHECKLIST

• ✅Number of units vs attendees
• ✅Mix of standard, accessible, VIP units, and showers.
• ✅Delivery schedule and refill/servicing plan.
• ✅Waste removal plan for compliance and hygiene.
• ✅Emergency contact info for rapid response.

Whether you’re running a festival or event in London, Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire, or Surrey, Simply can help you plan the right mix of toilets, showers, and welfare facilities.

Get in touch with our friendly team today for expert advice and tailored solutions.