5 Common Noise Complaints at Events (and How to Avoid Them)

Managing noise at events is a balancing act between delivering a memorable experience and ensuring harmony with the surrounding environment. Noise complaints can tarnish an event's reputation, lead to fines, or even jeopardise future licenses and permits. Here, we explore five common noise complaints at events and practical solutions to avoid them.

1. Excessive Bass Disturbing Nearby Residents

The Issue:

Low-frequency bass travels easier and often further than other sound waves and can easily penetrate walls, causing disturbances for residents even miles away. This is one of the most frequent complaints for music festivals and night-time events.

Solution:

• Pre-event: Use predictive sound modelling software to assess how bass frequencies will propagate in the area. Communicate with residents in advance about event timings and provide a hotline for noise-related concerns.

• During the event: Deploy low-frequency filters and directional speakers to contain bass within the venue. Use on site and local area monitoring with 1/1 Octave bands and if possible 1/3 octave bands to identify frequencies of concern and reduce the levels on these.

2. Noise Beyond Permitted Hours

The Issue:

When an event runs late into the night, noise exceeding permitted hours can lead to hefty fines and complaints from the local council and community.

Solution:

• Plan ahead: Ensure all activities comply with local noise and license curfews.

• Flexibility: Incorporate a buffer in your schedule to handle delays without breaching permits.

• Technology: Use real-time noise monitoring systems to alert organisers when levels approach the legal limit.

• Live Event: use professional noise monitoring who will take action to ensure your team are aware of deadlines and that music ceases at the required time

• Post-Event Checks: Your professional noise monitoring report will confirm what time music ceased and your compliance with your license conditions.

3. Inadequate Noise Barriers

The Issue:

Open-air events often fail to effectively contain noise, leading to complaints from surrounding businesses or residential areas.

Solution:

• Install temporary sound barriers or baffles around performance areas.

• Consider venue layout to minimise direct noise pathways to sensitive areas.

• Work with sound engineers to optimise speaker placement and reduce sound "spill."

4. Soundchecks or Early Morning Noise

The Issue:

Pre-event soundchecks or setup activities often begin early in the morning, disrupting residents' sleep before the event even starts.

Solution:

• Schedule soundchecks during reasonable hours, such as mid-morning.

• Use lower volume levels for initial soundchecks and gradually increase as the day progresses.

• Clearly communicate schedules with the local community in advance to manage expectations.

5. Crowds and Traffic Noise

The Issue:

Event noise isn’t limited to music or announcements. Large crowds, particularly at the entrance and exit points, and vehicle traffic can generate significant noise complaints.

Solution:            

• Crowd control: Stagger exit times and use signage or marshals to direct crowds efficiently.

• Traffic management: Work with local authorities to reroute or manage traffic flow to reduce horn use and congestion.

• Noise zones: Create quieter zones for attendees to gather after the event.

Proactive Steps for Effective Noise Management

To prevent these common complaints, organisers should take a proactive approach:

1. Noise Impact Assessments: Conduct thorough evaluations during the planning stage.

2. Real-Time Monitoring: Use noise monitoring to track and adjust sound levels in real time.

3. Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate with local residents, businesses, and authorities to address concerns ahead of time.

4. Expert Support: Collaborate with noise management professionals to develop and implement an effective plan.

Noise management is a critical aspect of event planning that can make or break the success of an event. By learning from common complaints and adopting proactive strategies, organisers can deliver a positive experience for both attendees and the surrounding community.

Need support with event noise management? Get in touch to find out how we can help ensure your event runs smoothly without disrupting the peace