From summer music festivals in the countryside to community celebrations in local parks, festivals are a massive part of the UK’s cultural scene. If you’re planning a festival; whether it’s music, food, arts, or something niche, mobile bar hire can be the secret ingredient to enhance the experience for your attendees and boost revenue for organisers.
But festival bar hire isn’t as simple as rolling up with a tap and a few crates of beer. It involves careful planning, legal considerations, and knowing what type of bar setup best suits your crowd.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about hiring a mobile bar for a festival in the UK, from licensing and logistics to choosing the right drinks menu and supplier.
Why Choose Mobile Bar Hire for Your Festival?
Whether you’re expecting 300 guests or 30,000, mobile bars provide:
- Flexibility: They can be set up almost anywhere, from open fields to indoor halls.
- Customisation: Tailor the drinks menu to your audience (craft beer, cocktails, mocktails, etc.).
- Revenue: Bars can be a major source of income through direct sales or vendor partnerships.
- Professionalism: Licensed staff, quick service, and seamless operation improve guest experience.
Types of Festivals That Use Mobile Bars
Mobile bars are suitable for nearly every kind of festival across the UK, including:
- Music Festivals (Glastonbury-style, local indie events).
- Food & Drink Festivals (Gin festivals, street food events).
- Arts & Cultural Festivals (Film, literature, theatre).
- Seasonal & Community Events (Bonfire Night, Christmas markets, summer fêtes).
- Charity Fundraisers & Awareness Festivals.
- Wellness Retreats (with a mocktail or kombucha bar).
No matter the theme, there’s a mobile bar setup that can align with your vision.
Types of Festival Mobile Bars
1. Trailer Bars/Horsebox Bars
- Classic and rustic look, popular at outdoor events.
- Fully self-contained and quick to deploy.
- Often serve craft beer, cocktails, and prosecco.
2. Pop-Up Bars/Gazebo Bars
- Modular setups ideal for high-volume service.
- Can be branded to match your festival theme.
- Great for indoor or covered venues.
3. Container Bars
- Larger, industrial-style setups for big events.
- Often used as central beer bars at major festivals.
- Can support multiple staff and high throughput.
4. Themed Bars
- Tiki bars, Prohibition speakeasies, disco cocktail vans.
- Great for adding personality to your event.
Festival Drink Menu Ideas
Think about your audience when building your drinks menu. Consider:
- Craft Beer and Local Ales: Popular at food/music festivals.
- Cocktails & Mocktails: Great for lifestyle or younger audiences.
- Gin & Tonic or Pimms: Always a UK favourite, especially in Summer.
- Wine & Prosecco: For upscale or relaxed day festivals.
- Non-alcoholic Drinks: Crucial for families, drivers, or health-focused crowds.
- Coffee & Soft Drinks: Often run alongside bar setups.
Tip: Many mobile bar companies offer customisable menus and themed packages. You can even collaborate with local breweries or distilleries for a unique touch.
Licensing & Legal Considerations (UK)
One of the most important aspects of festival bar hire is ensuring you’re legally compliant when it comes to licensing. Here’s what to consider:
When will I need a licence?
- You’re selling alcohol to the public.
- Your event includes regulated entertainment.
- It runs late into the evening (after 11pm).
Types of Licences
- Temporary Event Notice (TEN) (England & Wales).
- Occasional Licence (Scotland).
- Occasional Licence (Northern Ireland).
You can learn more about licensing for your mobile bar in our informative blog post Do I Need a License for a Mobile Bar at My Event?
Good News: A professional mobile bar provider will usually:
- Hold a Personal Licence.
- Handle the licensing applications for you.
- Ensure full legal compliance and insurance.
Always confirm this when booking your supplier.
Festival Bar Logistics & Event Planning Tips
1. Location & Accessibility
- Ensure the bar has vehicle access for setup and restocking.
- Allow space for queue management and crowd control.
- Factor in proximity to the stage, food stalls, and toilets.
2. Power & Water
- Most mobile bars require electricity (for coolers, pumps, lights).
- Some need access to water, others are fully self-contained.
- Check with your supplier what utilities are needed.
3. Payment Systems
- Ensure contactless/card payments are available (most people don’t carry cash).
- Discuss till systems and POS with your provider.
4. Licensing & Insurance
- Always ask to see Public Liability Insurance, licensing credentials, and risk assessments.
- Always discuss who is responsible for licensing with your mobile bar provider.
5. Sustainability
- Look for providers using eco-friendly cups, recyclable waste policies, and low-emission vehicles.
Profit-Sharing & Hire Options
You can usually choose between three types of mobile bar arrangements:
1. Dry Hire
- You hire the physical bar setup.
- You provide your own drinks and staff.
- Good for tight budgets or full creative control.
2. Wet Hire
- Full-service package: bar, staff, stock, glassware, licensing.
- Easiest and most professional solution.
3. Revenue Share
- The bar provider operates independently and gives you a percentage of profits or pays a fee to operate at your event.
- No upfront costs and great for large public events.
Questions to Ask a Festival Bar Hire Company
Before you book, make sure to ask:
- Do you have a Personal Licence holder?
- Will you handle the Temporary Event Notice (TEN)?
- What drinks menu options do you offer?
- Can you support high-volume service?
- Are your staff trained and certified?
- Do you have insurance and safety documentation?
- What is your setup and pack-down time?
- Do you offer cashless payment systems?
Final Thoughts
Mobile bars can be more than just a place to grab a drink; they can be a key part of the experience. With the right provider, you’ll benefit from:
- Professional, friendly staff.
- Fast service to avoid queues.
- Quality drinks tailored to your crowd.
- A branded or themed setup that matches your vibe.
- Peace of mind knowing all legal aspects are covered.
Ready to Hire a Mobile Bar for Your Festival?
At Elite Event Group, we specialise in mobile bar hire for UK festivals of all sizes; from boutique weekenders to high-capacity public events. We provide:
- Fully licensed, insured, and experienced service.
- Custom drink menus and fast bar setups.
- Friendly, trained bar staff.
- Transparent pricing and flexible packages.
Get in touch today to request a free quote or discuss your festival plans. Let us bring the bar (and the good times) to your event!