What is Dry Hire?

Dry hire is renting a venue space or technical equipment without venue staff, technicians or catering, so the hirer brings and manages their own team. The venue provides a blank space with power, house lights and basic facilities, and the client handles everything else.

How dry hire works

A typical dry hire follows these steps:

  1. Enquiry and contract: the client books the space and signs a hire agreement setting out the times, rules and liabilities.
  2. Paperwork: the client supplies their own risk assessment, insurance and supplier details for the venue to approve.
  3. Check-in: a duty manager walks the space with the client and records its condition.
  4. The event: the client's crew, security and caterers run the event, while the duty manager oversees safety and licensing conditions.
  5. Check-out: the space is returned in its original condition and checked again.

Venues taking many dry hire enquiries need the requirements and paperwork in one place, which is why many handle hire requests through forms in Crescat.

Dry hire vs wet hire

In a dry hire, the client provides the staff and services. In a wet hire, the venue supplies trained staff, technicians and services as part of the package. Dry hire costs less up front but puts more work and responsibility on the client.

What a dry hire usually includes

  • Included: the space, power, house lighting, toilets and a duty manager
  • Not included: sound and lighting engineers or AV equipment
  • Not included: front-of-house staff, bar staff and catering
  • Not included: security, often required to be SIA-licensed in the UK
  • Not included: cleaning beyond the venue's standard

Frequently asked questions

Is dry hire cheaper than wet hire?

The hire fee is usually lower, because the venue isn't paying staff. Once the client adds crew, equipment, security and catering, the total cost can be similar or higher, so compare full quotes.

Who is responsible for safety on a dry hire?

The client carries most of the responsibility for their event, including risk assessments and their own team. The venue stays responsible for the building and usually provides a duty manager to make sure licence conditions are met.

Can you dry hire equipment as well as venues?

Yes. Dry hire of equipment means renting lighting, sound or staging without technicians. The hirer collects, installs and operates it, then returns it in the same condition.

Related terms