As the first signs of spring emerged in April 2024, Sunbelt Rentals was already gearing up for its busiest events season yet. From marathons and motorsport to festivals and airshows, the team played a crucial role in ensuring safe experiences for millions of attendees across the UK.
Over the summer, Sunbelt Rentals provided 140 kilometres of HD Police style barriers, 320 kilometres of Crowd Control Barriers and 530 kilometres of Mesh Fencing to events nationwide. Beyond perimeter security, the team supplied 100,000 sqm of TigerTrak, 160,000 sqm of SupaTrac, and 40,000 sqm of Euromats to create safe and stable surfaces for pitch coverings, festival walkways and high-traffic areas.
Kicking off with major sporting events
The season began with the Brighton Marathon, where Sunbelt Rentals ensured safe routes for runners and fans alike. This set the stage for one of the busiest summers on record. Next came the London Marathon, an internationally renowned event that required significant logistical planning. With tens of thousands of runners and spectators filling the capital’s streets, meticulous planning and expert execution were essential to secure large areas and allow unrestricted movement for runners.
In May, Sunbelt Rentals took on the logistical challenges of RideLondon, a 100-mile cycling festival stretching through London and Essex. With limited build and derig times and a large footprint, the team rose to the occasion, keeping the route safe for cyclists and spectators alike.
As summer hit its peak, the team was on-site two months in advance to prepare for the Glastonbury Festival. The installation of the Super Fortress Fence, along with additional Barriers, Fencing, and Trakway, transformed the festival site into a secure and well-organised event space. July brought the roar of engines at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. Sunbelt Rentals provided a whole host of equipment from Barriers and Fencing through to Stage V telehandlers and accommodation units, ensuring safe spectator movements and safety throughout the high-profile weekend. At the Farnborough Airshow, a world-leading aerospace event, the team’s expertise was on full display, implementing crowd management solutions that balanced security with accessibility for attendees and exhibitors alike.
Iconic city celebrations
August saw Sunbelt Rentals collaborating with the Metropolitan Police Service and local councils for Notting Hill Carnival. Managing crowd control while maintaining the fun atmosphere of the festival was a key focus. This year, the company even sponsored the Saxon Sound Stage, adding a personal touch to the celebrations. As the summer season began to wind down, the team supported the World Orienteering Championships in Glasgow, helping athletes navigate the course while securing spectator areas.
Rounding off a record-breaking season
September was a marathon it its own right, beginning with the Great North Run, the world’s largest half marathon, where Sunbelt Rentals secured the full route for over 50,000 runners. The team then returned to London for Swim Serpentine, setting up barriers around Hyde Park’s Serpentine Lake. Finally, October saw the team supporting The Royal Parks Half Marathon, a unique race through four of London’s stunning Royal Parks, drawing over 16,000 participants.
Behind every event, there’s a team of unsung heroes, the teams in the depots managing logistics to crews handling any last-minute changes on site to make sure the events run smoothly. Their commitment to transforming places and delivering a world-class rental experience showcases Sunbelt Rentals’ position as a trusted partner for the UK’s biggest and best events.
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