Sound & Lighting for Hire

Sound & Lighting Hire in the UK

Hiring the right sound and lighting setup can make or break an event. Whether you need a simple PA system for wedding speeches, a full live sound rig for a band, or stage lighting for a corporate function, the companies listed on this page offer everything from basic dry hire through to fully managed production with a sound engineer.

PA system hire for weddings

The most common reason people hire a PA system is for wedding speeches and background music. A small active speaker setup with a wireless microphone is usually sufficient for speeches in a venue seating up to 150 guests. If you also need amplification for a wedding band or vocalist, you will need a larger system with monitor speakers, a mixing desk and enough channels for the full lineup. Many of the companies listed here offer packages tailored specifically to weddings, covering both the ceremony and evening reception.

What to look for when hiring sound equipment

The key decision is whether you need dry hire or a managed service. Dry hire means you collect or receive the equipment and operate it yourself, which keeps costs down but requires some technical knowledge. A managed service includes a sound engineer who will set up, operate and pack down the system. For live bands, a sound engineer is strongly recommended as they can manage levels throughout the performance and troubleshoot any issues on the spot. When comparing quotes, check whether delivery, setup and collection are included in the price, as these can add significantly to the total cost.

Lighting hire for events

Beyond sound, many of these companies also provide lighting packages. Uplighting can transform a plain venue, festoon and fairy lights suit marquee and barn weddings, and intelligent moving lights or lasers add impact to evening parties. If you are booking a DJ or band with a DJ, check whether their package already includes basic lighting before hiring separately.

How much does it cost to hire a PA system?

Sound and lighting hire currently ranges from £20 to £1083, with an average price of £359. A basic speech PA with a wireless microphone typically sits at the lower end, while full production packages with a sound engineer, stage lighting and multiple speaker stacks sit at the higher end. Use the price comparison section on this page to compare rates across different companies near you.