Event container rental
Festivals, trade shows, film shoots, corporate events: the event container covers secure storage, cold chain management, pop-up stores, and dressing rooms. Fast delivery, fixed pricing, return within 24-48 hours after the event.
Event packages 2026
| Type | 1 weekend (3-4 days) | Week (7 days) | Festival (15 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft storage container | £231 – £399 | £368 – £609 | £630 – £1,050 |
| 20 ft reefer | £840 – £1,470 | £1,260 – £2,100 | £2,310 – £3,675 |
| Generator 15 kVA | +£315 – £525 | +£525 – £945 | +£1,050 – £1,680 |
| Converted pop-up container | £840 – £1,680 | £1,470 – £2,625 | £2,730 – £4,725 |
Indicative packages excluding round-trip delivery (£315 – £735), fuel for generator set, custom graphic wrap.
The 6 common event uses
- Secure storage — technical tools, public luggage lockers, audiovisual equipment between festival days.
- Cold chain management — beers, sodas, food truck reserve, fresh catering products. Reefer 20 feet + generator 15 kVA covers 95% of needs.
- Pop-up shop / ticket booth — fitted-out container with counter, lighting, brand design. Perfect for visual identity.
- Artist dressing rooms — 40 feet HC fitted-out as a climate-controlled dressing room with shower, toilet, and makeup area. High-end festival use.
- Mobile bar / snack — snack container with professional kitchen equipment, bar counter facing outside. Installation in a few hours.
- Film / commercial shoot — equipment storage, technical booths, canteen. Custom rental for the duration of the shoot.
Planning type: from reservation to return
Event logistics have a strong constraint: the shipping container must be in place BEFORE the public arrives and dismantled quickly once the event is over. Here is the typical reverse planning of a successful event rental, from signing to returning to storage.
Reservation and confirmation
Contract signature, payment of deposit (30-50%). Earlier for major festivals (up to J−90) as reefers are in high demand from June-July. Finalise the number, format, and exact location of each module at this stage.
Preparation and dressing up
If custom graphic wrap (adhesive vinyl, scenic decor, lighting), the container is prepared in storage and delivered dressed. Send print files two to three weeks in advance; client validation of BAT by graphic provider before production.
Delivery and installation
Arrival of the container truck. Placement by crane or semi-trailer system. A customer representative must be present to validate the exact location (to within a few tens of centimetres). Electrical connection, temperature setting for reefers (2-4 hours before use), equipment testing.
Event Operation
The container is in service. For a reefer: refuelling of the generator every 24-48 hours. For a pop-up: stock rotation and visual maintenance. A 24/7 emergency number must be included in the contract — essential for festivals that run day and night.
Dismantling and Recovery
Complete emptying of the container (within 24 hours after the event). Dismantle connections. Recovery by truck — sometimes within 24 hours after the festival ends, to clear the site in time. Settlement invoice due within 30 days following the condition report of the returned module.
Festival vs Trade Show vs Filming: Three Different Logistics Logics
Same equipment, three radically different operational contexts. Specialised suppliers adapt their offers (preparation, on-site team, contracts) according to the type of event — knowing your context optimises negotiation and avoids unpleasant surprises.
Festival (outdoor, 2-15 days)
- Constraints : no power supply on site, weather conditions, dense public flow.
- Configuration : reefer pack + generator 15-25 kVA + initial fuel 300 L.
- Security : reinforced lock-box + general site supervision.
- Reservation : 60-90 days in advance, market saturated June-July.
- Dismantling : 24-48 h after closure (site to be cleared).
Pro lounge (interior, 2-5 days)
- Constraints : Expo park with strict access and handling rules.
- Configuration : pop-up fitted-out branded unit + display case + product demo.
- Electricity : mains electricity at Parc Expo (event board).
- Reservation : 30-60 days, less busy than festival.
- Dismantling : slot imposed by the organiser, often in the evening.
Shooting (mobile, 1-12 weeks)
- Constraints : combos of 3-6 modules (dressing rooms, control room, storage, canteen).
- Configuration : air-conditioned dressing rooms + refrigerated caterer container + equipment storage.
- Mobility : sometimes moved between several locations on the same production site
- Reservation : according to shooting schedule, sometimes very late.
- Contract : customised rate according to total duration, close to long-term pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which containers should be used for events?+
Three types dominate. Storage containers (tools, supplies, public luggage lockers): 20 ft dry. Refrigerated containers (beverages, caterer): 1 x 20 ft reefer with generator if no power supply available. Fitted-out containers (pop-up shop, ticket booth, dressing rooms, bar): customised modules with counter, lighting, sometimes graphically dressed up.
How long does it take to get a container for an event?+
72 hours on standard lead time. 24 to 48 hours in emergency (extra charge £105 – £315). For large events with multiple modules (festival, trade show), order 2 to 4 weeks ahead of time to ensure availability — especially during weekends in June-July-September when reefers are quickly booked.
Short-term pricing: how does it work?+
Two approaches. Daily rate for events lasting 1-7 days: £42 – £84/day for a 20 ft dry, £105 – £210/day for a reefer. Monthly prorated rate for events lasting 7-30 days: equivalent to £147 – £263/month for a 20 ft dry. The round-trip delivery is generally charged separately from the package (£315 – £735).
Is the generator included with the reefer?+
Depends on the supplier. Some offer it as a complete package (reefer + generator 15-20 kVA + initial fuel) — recommended for festivals. Others subcontract to a specialist generator provider — plan for a logistics coordinator. For refuelling during the event, anticipate who will handle it.
Can a container be installed in a public place?+
Yes with conditions. City hall authorisation is often required (public domain occupation), especially in city centres and near public spaces. Some sites (national parks, coastal areas, designated zones) have specific rules. For a festival on privately rented land, the owner's permission suffices; no city hall application unless construction lasts > 1 month.
What about security at an event?+
Several levels. Standard lock + padlock: sufficient for non-critical tools in a guarded area. Lock-box + anti-cut padlock: for drinks, cash boxes, valuable stock. Human guarding or mobile CCTV: for cash, audiovisual equipment, electronics. Most suppliers offer additional security options (grilles, alarms, remote monitoring).
Your event equipped in 48 hours
5 event specialists, 5 quotes, guaranteed deadline.