As we edge ever closer to summer, we're starting to prepare for all our favourite sporting events. Wimbledon and the French Open, the Tour de France… and we can't wait to see the Lionesses take on the World Cup!

If you're organising a sporting event closer to home, you'll know all the hard work it takes to make your event a success. You need to liaise with your local council to arrange road closures, get medals sorted for the winners, and organise food and drink stalls to keep attendees fed and watered.

However, have you considered shower and toilet hire too?

Shower and toilet hire can often be the thing that event organisers forget about or leave until the last minute. But ensuring you have high-quality toilets and showers can make the difference between starting in pole position and limping over the finish line in last place.

Here's what you need to know about arranging toilet and shower hire for your sporting event, and how we can help if you’re planning an event in the South West.

Showers, toilets, and the law

We’re often asked if it’s a legal requirement to have toilets at an event. Our answer? There aren't specific legal requirements on how many toilets you need at your event, sports-related or otherwise. 

However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends the following:

For events with a gate opening time of 6 hours or more:

• 1 toilet per 100 females
• 1 toilet per 500 males and 1 urinal per 150 males

For events with a gate opening time of 6 hours or less:

• 1 toilet per 120 females
• 1 toilet per 600 males and 1 urinal per 175 males

You will need to include how many toilets you think you will need when you submit your event management plan to your local council. It's always better to overestimate than underestimate, especially if it's a free event or people can just turn up on the day.

Most councils use the HSE’s guidelines for toilets, however, others have their own specific guidelines in place. Check what they recommend before you submit your event management plan, otherwise they may ask you to review and amend your plan, which can waste valuable time.

Remember that the numbers mentioned above are a bare minimum, especially if you plan to serve food and drink at your event. More toilets mean shorter lines, less mess, and happier attendees! 

Also, be sure to consider disabled sporting guests and attendees when planning your event. It's essential to make sure your sporting event is accessible to everyone. The appropriate toilet facilities mean everyone is included and ensures your event complies with disability legislation.

We offer a range of toilets at WET Hire, from urinals to luxury toilets, with soap and moisturiser. Our specialist team will set up and install your toilets and empty the waste tank at the end of your event, meaning one less thing for you to worry about. 

We can even provide you with an attendant who will look after your toilets and make sure you don't run out of toilet paper and handwash halfway through the day!

Why you need showers at a sporting event

When organising an event, you typically don't have to think about showers; they're not required in the same way toilets are. However, it makes a lot of sense to have them for a sporting event. Here's why:



• People participating in sports will want to clean themselves and cool off afterwards. Providing onsite showers means they can stick around and enjoy the celebrations rather than having to go home for a shower
• Showering facilities are imperative for good hygiene and sanitation. Hot weather and sweat can lead to acne, athlete's foot, and even skin infections
• A cold shower after sports can help with recovery, helping athletes avoid bruising and swelling, as well as helping with pain relief
• Showers aren't just for people playing sports either! Showers are a lifesaver for attendees who feel hot and need to cool down, or who spill something and need to clean up. If you're holding a weekend event, showers make it easier for people to keep clean and enjoy themselves

The good news is that you can offer portable showering facilities as part of your sporting event. At WET Hire, we offer 2-bay, 4-bay, and 6-bay shower hire across Bath and the Somerset area. All our showers come with LED lights, clothes hooks, a sink and a mirror, and a backup water tank so people can enjoy a luxurious hot shower anytime they need one!

How many showers do you need at your sporting event? 

The number of showers you need will depend on several factors:

• How many people are there, either playing sports or as spectators
• What sports are being played. After all, rugby and football are far dirtier sports than running and martial arts! 
• The duration of your sporting event
• The male/female ratio - you will want to offer separate facilities

If you let us know about your event, we can recommend the right number of showers you'll need.

WET Hire: Sporting event specialists across Bath and Somerset

Whether you're organising a 5K run, football tournament, or office sports day, we can help with your portable toilet and shower requirements.

With several years of experience, we can suggest the right number of toilets and showers for your needs and even suggest the best places to put them. And with prices starting from £265 + VAT, you don't have to compromise between quality and cost when you work with us!

Let us be your MVP – contact us today for your free, no-obligation quote.