From music festivals and corporate galas to upscale wedding celebrations, setting-up a large event requires meticulous attention to detail and coordination dexterity.

The success of your event rests on key logistical elements coming together seamlessly, often with the added complication of multiple contractors and tight timescales.

When it comes to setting up your venue, cranes can play an essential role. They can be used for efficient heavy lifting and safe placement of:

  • lighting and sound rigs
  • stages
  • AV screens
  • props and decorations
  • tents and marquees
  • portable loos and washrooms
  • site welfare cabins
  • security barriers

In this article, we’ll explore different crane options and how they can be used to streamline your event set-up.

Tasks that require cranes

As the unsung heroes, cranes are behind many of the most awe-inspiring and professionally executed events.

Cranes can be used for many of the core tasks involved in setting up an event space, including:

  • Stage construction

Cranes are an essential requirement if you’re setting up a large stage or platform.

Using a crane ensures quick and efficient construction of heavy structures.

  • Lighting and audio 

Installing lighting and audio rigs often involves working at height. The safest and most precise way to set this up is with a crane.

  • Marquees

Erecting marquees and large tents for outdoor events is made speedy and safe with the use of cranes.

  • Welfare facilities and cabins

Cranes can be used to move and position portable toilets and welfare cabins for site staff.

  • Decorations

Cranes are ideal for lifting and placing large decorative props and pieces, safely and securely.

  • Breakdown and dismantling

Chances are, once your event has taken place, you’ll need to dismantle and remove a variety of structures from site, as quickly, safely and effectively as possible. Using a crane is the most practical option.

Understanding the types of cranes

Whether you’re transforming an empty field into a concert arena or turning a regular conference centre into a stunning gala setting, these powerful machines are a go-to for efficient event set-up.

Here’s some insight into the types of cranes available and their best applications:

Our mobile cranes are ideal for events in a range of locations. These roadworthy cranes do not require haulage to site, they are versatile and can navigate most terrains with ease. They can also move to different points on a site or from one site to another.

The impressive reach and robust capabilities of our self-erecting mobile tower cranes are complemented by rapid set-up time. These cranes are ideal for repetitive lifts of heavy material along static trajectories.

Telescopic crawler cranes boast a quick set-up time and excellent precision, making them ideal for fast-paced jobs. The crawler crane’s tracked undercarriage provides outstanding off-road manoeuvrability as well as stability on uneven ground.

With staggered outrigger positions, our UNIC spider cranes can fit through doorways and are ideal for tight spaces or venues with limited access. In addition, our spider cranes run off different power types, including LPG, electricity and diesel, offering greater flexibility.

  • Crane Accessories

We can supply accessories including arange of crane matsto stabilise the surface where cranes are deployed. We stock crawler crane mats, timber mats, plastic mats and steel road plates. We also offer lifting beam hire for balancing loads.

Planning on using a crane for your event set-up?

If you’re planning a large event and considering using a crane for set-up, you’ll need to look at the following:

  • Initial assessment

This includes:

  • Evaluating the event site or venue
  • Identifying the tasks that will require crane assistance
  • Consulting a professional crane hire company for expert advice
  • Choosing the right crane/s

You will need to align the crane to the venue/site and the specific tasks that will be required. Consulting a trusted crane hire company is recommended when considering load capacity and reach needed.

  • Logistics coordination

When scheduling onsite crane usage, you will need to coordinate with other contractors, suppliers and venue teams. You also need to investigate site access and manoeuvrability.

  • Safety compliance

It is essential that all lifting operations comply with UK regulations and that you implement safety protocols on site. This is another important reason why you should only use certified operators from a reputable crane hire company.

Hiring a crane for your next event

From the versatility and manoeuvrability of mobile cranes to the compact access offered by spider cranes, once you know how to leverage these machines, your event set-up will be far more efficient.

For all enquiries regarding our crane hire services – whether you required consultation or a quote – please contact a member of the team on 44 (0) 20 8548 3900.