What is Event Infrastructure?

Event infrastructure (also called site infrastructure or site services) is the temporary site services an event needs to run safely, such as power, water, fencing, toilets, trackway, waste and communications. It matters most at outdoor and greenfield events, where nothing is in place before the build.

How event infrastructure is planned

Infrastructure planning usually follows these steps:

  1. Site survey: the site manager checks access, ground conditions, existing services and constraints.
  2. Site plan: every service is placed on the site map, from generator positions to toilet blocks.
  3. Calculate demand: work out power loads, water use, toilet numbers and waste volumes from the capacity and programme.
  4. Contract suppliers: book specialist suppliers for each service.
  5. Build and maintain: install services during the build and keep them running throughout the event.

Infrastructure is one of the biggest parts of producing an outdoor festival, which is why it sits alongside stages and artists in Crescat Festival.

Infrastructure vs production

Infrastructure keeps the site working: power, water, roads, fencing and facilities. Production covers what the audience comes to see: stages, sound, lighting and video. Production depends on infrastructure, especially power. Infrastructure is usually built first and taken down last, so it shapes the whole build schedule.

Common types of event infrastructure

  • Power: generators, battery systems or temporary mains connections
  • Water: supply, drinking points and waste water
  • Fencing: perimeter, crowd barriers and backstage fencing
  • Toilets, showers and welfare facilities
  • Trackway and roads for vehicles and pedestrians
  • Waste and recycling collection
  • Communications: radios, Wi-Fi and data
  • Temporary structures: marquees, cabins and towers

Frequently asked questions

How is power supplied at festivals?

Most greenfield festivals use temporary generators, often combined with battery systems to cut fuel use. Some sites have mains connections that are used where possible, with generators as backup.

What is trackway?

Trackway is a temporary roadway made of interlocking panels laid over grass. It lets vehicles and crowds move across the site without damaging the ground or getting stuck in mud. It also protects the ground, reducing repair costs after the event.

Who plans event infrastructure?

A site manager or site operations team plans and runs infrastructure, working with the festival manager, production team and safety officer. Large events have managers for power, water and waste.

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