5 Common Power Mistakes at Festivals

Behind every successful festival is a well-thought-out power plan – but it’s one of the most overlooked areas during event planning. At Event Sparks, we’ve worked with countless event organisers across the UK, and we’ve seen the same mistakes crop up time and time again. 

This guide breaks down the 5 most common power mistakes at festivals and, more importantly, how to avoid them! Whether you’re running a one-day community event or a multi-stage weekend festival, getting your power right is key to safety, performance and peace of mind. 

1. Understanding Total Power Requirements

One of the biggest power mistakes at festivals is failing to calculate your full power load accurately. Many organisers focus on the bigger areas such as the stages and food vendors, forgetting about lighting, water pumps, charging stations and other needs. 

What to do instead: 

• Work with a qualified temporary power provider (like Event Sparks) and together conduct a load assessment. 
• Consider peak power usage, not just average load. This is a time of the day when the most power will be needed. 
• Account for every element (big or small), from stage lighting to security cabins, campsites and more.

2. Poor Generator Placement & Planning

It’s not just what generator you choose – it’s where and how you place it. Poor placement can lead to issues such as noise interference, inefficient cabling or even health and safety concerns. Furthermore, update your power supplier with any changes to generator placement as soon as possible, as cable runs may have to change. 

What to do instead: 

• Ensure generators are placed on level, well-ventilated ground. 
• Keep them at a safe distance from crowds, but close enough to reduce unnecessary cable runs. 
• Factor in cable protection and access for refuelling. 

Our on-site setup team can help ensure your generator locations are efficient, compliant and festival-friendly. Also, a site visit can be a great way to find the best locations for your generators. 

3. No Backup or Redundancy Plan

Even the best-planned power systems can face unexpected hiccups. Festivals that don’t have a contingency plan in place are taking a huge risk – especially when the stakes include sound systems, lighting and safety infrastructure. 

What to do instead:

• Include a backup generator or at least a critical load circuit plan. 
• Use automatic transfer switches for essential areas like first aid or control centres. 
• Keep spare cables and connectors on site for emergencies. 

With Event Sparks, we will help you build a resilient power plan that includes fail-safes and emergency support. 

4. Improper Power Distribution

Assuming you can run power from one place to every corner of your festival? That’s a common mistake, and one that leads to overloads, outages or long delays in setup. Not only must the distance be considered, but also the load amount of outlets needed and any obstacles that may obstruct runs from the generator. 

What to do instead:

• Create a power distribution map that clearly outlines how power will be routed and balanced.
• Use professional distribution boards and correctly rated cabling. 
• Install cable ramps in pedestrian or vehicle zones for safety and compliance. 

At Event Sparks, we offer various distribution boards, tailored to the layout and needs of each event.

5. Last-Minute Changes Without Technical Input

Things change – artists request extra lighting, traders need fridges or extra toilets are added. The mistake? Making these decisions without revisiting the power plan. When extra load is needed, we as power suppliers need to ensure that we provide the correct kit to deal with these changes. Whether it be extra cabling & distro or a bigger/additional generator. 

What to do instead:

• Build flexibility into your plan to handle reasonable load increases. 
• Always consult with your power provider before adding new equipment. 
• Keep open communications between site managers and power technicians. 

At Event Sparks, our on-site team stays flexible and responsive, ready to adapt your setup while keeping everything safe and operational.

Don’t Let Power Be the Problem

Festival-goers never think about power – until something goes wrong. For organisers, reliable power is not just a utility; it’s a core part of your reputation. Avoiding these common power mistakes at festivals can make the difference between a smooth, unforgettable event… or a weekend of troubleshooting. 

At Event Sparks, we take pride in being more than a supplier – we’re a power partner. From early-stage planning to on-site support, we help festival organisers across England and Wales deliver safer, smarter, more reliable events.