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Sound & Lighting for Hire

Browse 41 sound and lighting companies available for hire across the UK, with 439 reviews from real clients averaging 5 out of 5 stars. Average price £359. Whether you need a PA system for wedding speeches, a full live sound setup for a band, or stage lighting for a corporate event, this page brings together specialist sound and lighting companies from across the UK. Services range from simple dry hire of speakers and microphones through to full production packages with a sound engineer on site.

Each listing includes pricing, client reviews and details of the equipment and services offered. Use the filters below to narrow results by location and find sound and lighting hire near your venue.

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How much does it cost to hire Sound & Lighting?

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The average price for Sound & Lighting is £359. Above you will also find a budget price and high end price. Contact the act you like for an accurate quote.

Reviews of Sound & Lighting

Want to see more reviews? There are currently 439 reviews of Sound & Lighting in our review centre and the average rating is 5/5.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to hire a PA system if I have already booked a band or DJ?

Most bands and DJs listed on Last Minute Musicians bring their own PA system and lighting as part of their booking, so you would not usually need to hire equipment separately for the entertainment itself. However, there are situations where separate sound hire is worth considering. If your venue has a sound limiter and your band needs a quieter front-of-house system with more stage monitoring, a dedicated sound engineer with appropriate equipment can help manage levels without compromising the performance. You may also want a separate PA for earlier parts of the day, such as the wedding ceremony or speeches, where the band's system would not yet be set up. If you are unsure, check with your entertainment booking first and then contact a sound company to discuss any gaps.

What size PA system do I need for my event?

The size of PA system you need depends on your audience size, the venue, and what the system will be used for. As a rough guide, speech-only events (such as wedding speeches or corporate presentations) need around 1 watt of amplifier power per audience member, while live music typically requires 3 watts or more per person. A small speech system with a single speaker and wireless microphone is usually sufficient for up to 100 guests in an enclosed room. For live bands or large spaces, you will need a more powerful system with multiple speakers, monitors, and a mixing desk. Outdoor events generally require more power than indoor ones because there are no walls to contain the sound. The best approach is to tell your sound company the venue name, expected guest count, and what the PA will be used for, and they will recommend the right setup.

What is the difference between dry hire and operated hire?

Dry hire means you rent the equipment only, without a technician. The sound company will deliver and collect the gear, but you (or someone at your event) will be responsible for setting it up, operating it during the event, and packing it down afterwards. This can work well for simple setups like a single speaker for background music or speeches, provided someone is comfortable connecting and adjusting the equipment. Operated hire means the equipment comes with a trained sound engineer or technician who handles everything: setup, soundchecking, running the desk during the event, and packdown. This is strongly recommended for live music, multi-microphone setups, and any event where consistent sound quality matters. The cost difference is typically the addition of the engineer's day rate on top of the equipment hire fee.

What does a typical sound and lighting hire package include?

Packages vary between companies, but a standard sound hire for a wedding or party typically includes PA speakers on stands, a mixing desk, microphones (wired and/or wireless), all necessary cabling, and often a set of basic stage or ambient lighting. More comprehensive packages may add stage monitors for performers, a subwoofer for bass-heavy music, uplighting or mood lighting for the venue, and a dedicated sound engineer. Some companies offer tiered packages based on guest count or venue size, while others quote on a bespoke basis after discussing your requirements. When comparing quotes, check whether delivery, setup, and collection are included or charged separately, and confirm whether the quote covers equipment only or includes an operator as well.

Can sound and lighting equipment be used at outdoor events?

Yes, most sound and lighting companies can supply equipment suitable for outdoor use, but there are additional considerations. Outdoor events require weatherproof or IP-rated speakers and lighting, and the equipment will usually need a mains power supply run to the performance area. If mains power is not available at your outdoor location, some companies can provide a generator, though this needs to be positioned far enough away to avoid noise interference. Rain and moisture are the main risks, so a covered stage area or marquee is strongly recommended to protect both equipment and performers. Wind can also affect sound quality and may require adjustments to speaker placement. Discuss your outdoor plans with your sound company as early as possible so they can advise on power requirements and any equipment upgrades needed.

How much setup time and space does sound and lighting equipment need?

Setup time depends on the scale of the system. A simple speech PA with one or two speakers can be set up in around 30 minutes. A full live sound system with multiple speakers, monitors, a mixing desk, and stage lighting will typically need 2 to 3 hours, plus time for soundchecking once the performers arrive. Your sound company will need access to the venue well before the event starts, so check with your venue about load-in times and any access restrictions. In terms of space, a mixing desk and engineer usually need a position towards the back or side of the room with a clear line of sight to the stage area. Speakers are normally placed on stands either side of the performance area. Make sure cables can be run safely without crossing walkways, or ask your sound company about cable management options.

How much does it cost to hire sound and lighting equipment?

The average price for sound & lighting on Last Minute Musicians is £359, with prices ranging from £20 to £1083 depending on the scale of the setup and whether an engineer is included. A basic speech PA with a wireless microphone for a wedding ceremony or corporate event will be at the lower end of this range. A full live sound system with an engineer for a band performance or large party will cost more. Factors that affect the price include the amount of equipment needed, the duration of hire, whether an operator or sound engineer is included, and any travel or delivery charges. Outdoor events may also cost more due to the need for weatherproof equipment and potentially a generator. Request quotes from several companies, giving them your venue details, guest count, and a description of what the system will be used for, so they can provide accurate pricing.

Frequently asked questions about Sound & Lighting, how to register and how results are ordered are in the help & FAQs.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Sound & Lighting Hire in the UK

PA system hire for weddings

What to look for when hiring sound equipment

Lighting hire for events

How much does it cost to hire a PA system?

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