Live events and festivals rely on tight schedules, multiple contractors and equipment that needs to be in the right place at the right time. A R Banks provides HIAB hire and transport to support event builds, live days and breakdowns. We work with event organisers, production teams and suppliers to lift and move equipment safely and efficiently, even on challenging sites or within short access windows. From one-off lifts to full build and derig support, we help keep event logistics running smoothly.
Choosing the right vehicle is key when working on event sites, where access, ground conditions and timing all matter. We select the most suitable vehicle for each job to ensure lifting and transport is carried out properly and without delay.
Ideal for lifting and positioning staging, lighting towers, generators and site equipment where forklifts or telehandlers are not suitable.
Used for transporting larger or heavier event infrastructure, including cabins, plant and temporary structures.
Well suited for barriers, fencing, signage and other event equipment requiring straightforward loading and quick turnaround.
Event sites are rarely straightforward. Access can be tight, ground conditions can change, and plans often evolve as builds progress.
We are used to working alongside other contractors and production teams, adapting to site requirements and communicating clearly throughout the job. Whether we are supporting an early-morning delivery, a live site adjustment or a time-critical derig, our focus is on getting the job done properly and without disruption.
Simon Lane
“Outstanding service from A R Banks from start to finish! The job was to move a 4.5m satellite dish forming tool weighing almost 3 tons. The job was completed on time and managed professionally throughout. All H&S requirements at the pick-up end were accommodated. Ben transported the tool from Helston, Cornwall to Metspin Limited in Southbourne, near Emsworth - over 500 miles round trip! Great job all round guys, well done ”
Gary C
“We've had a few cranes lift in the past, sub stations, safes, generators but needed a lift in a hurry, A R Banks were primed on a few days in advance and they were committed to completing the job despite fading light and none ideal surfaces – safely and perfectly executed.”
Melissa Farnden
“I have been using AR Banks for almost 3 years now, and I cannot fault them. They answer the phone day or night, weekends included. They have never let me down and have carried out every job to an extremely high standard. Sarah and Stuart are highly knowledgeable, and the drivers are always happy to help - and even get their hands dirty on sites - which not a lot of drivers will do. A* service all the way.”
Telephone Number: 023 9200 5119 / 07891 984933
Email Address: operations@arbanks.co.uk
”A R Banks, were fantastic from start to finish with the works we engaged with them to carry out. They went above and beyond, even staying open an extra couple of hours to receive a delayed delivery from Europe. We arranged 3 separate deliveries of which all arrived on time. The Driver Daniel was a pleasure to deal with and went out of his way to help us out with the delivery at our site.
Sarah is a credit to deal with and I couldn't recommend this company enough."
David Humphreys
Using our HIAB cranes, low loaders and flatbeds, we support live events and festivals by lifting and transporting a wide range of equipment, often to sites with restricted access, limited set-up windows or uneven ground conditions.
Staging, platforms and modular build components
Lighting towers, truss and rigging sections
Generators, power units and associated equipment
Welfare units, cabins and temporary facilities
Barriers, fencing and crowd control systems
Temporary structures and site infrastructure
Event plant and specialist equipment
Every job is planned around the site layout, access restrictions and the sequence of the event build, ensuring equipment is lifted, positioned and removed safely and without disruption.
If you’re unsure whether your equipment is suitable for HIAB lifting or transport, our team is happy to talk it through and advise on the best approach.
Clients typically contact us for:
Event and festival build and breakdown support
Deliveries to sites with restricted access
Lifting equipment into position where forklifts are unsuitable
Short access windows or early-morning deliveries
Outdoor sites with uneven or limited ground access
Last-minute equipment movements
For larger or abnormal loads, we can also support movements through our abnormal load haulage service.
Live events and festivals come with tight schedules, busy sites and very little room for error. We support event logistics with a practical, experienced approach that keeps builds moving and avoids unnecessary complications.
Experienced HIAB operators used to working on live and public-facing sites
Support for restricted access locations and short delivery or lifting windows
Careful handling of hired, high-value or time-critical equipment
Clear communication with organisers, site managers and production teams
Flexibility when site layouts, timings or plans change
Reliable support during build, live days and breakdown
Secure storage available for event equipment when deliveries need to be staged
Responsive and professional service from start to finish
Our clients choose us because we understand how event sites work and provide lifting, transport and storage that can be relied on when timelines are tight.
Alongside our lifting and transport services, AR Banks offers secure and flexible storage for event and festival equipment at our site in Fareham. Conveniently located for Southampton, Portsmouth and the wider South Coast, our facility provides over 3,000 sq ft of indoor and open storage, supporting event organisers, production companies and suppliers who need reliable space before, during or after an event.
Storage is often essential when deliveries arrive ahead of site access, when equipment needs to be held between build and breakdown, or when plans change at short notice. Our storage facilities are designed to support these scenarios, offering a practical extension of our event logistics service.
Whether equipment arrives on one of our flatbeds or low loaders, or is lifted into position using our HIAB cranes, we can safely store a wide range of event infrastructure and specialist equipment. Our site is fully secure, easily accessible, and supported by lifting and loading capabilities of up to 60 tonnes.
Short-term and long-term storage for event and festival equipment
Secure hardstanding for cabins, generators, staging and temporary structures
Indoor storage for smaller equipment, rigging, truss and technical components
Storage for barriers, fencing and crowd control systems
Temporary storage to support phased event builds and breakdowns
Storage during repairs, refurbishment or between event dates
Secure storage for generators, machinery and specialist plant
Integrated “lift, store and deliver” service using our HIAB fleet
"Professional and friendly family firm, smart tidy equipment. Always going the extra mile for customers with safety always at the forefront."
Yes. We regularly support event builds and derigs where timings are fixed and access windows are limited. We plan each job around your schedule and communicate clearly if anything needs to change on site.
Yes. Using our HIAB cranes, we can lift and position a wide range of event equipment, including staging components, generators, cabins and temporary structures, where forklifts or telehandlers are not suitable.
To provide an accurate quote, we usually need details of the equipment, weights and dimensions, site access information, delivery or lifting times, and any known restrictions. If you’re unsure, our team can talk this through with you.
Yes. Event sites often change as builds progress. We take a flexible, practical approach and work with organisers and site managers to adapt safely when layouts, timings or access arrangements are adjusted.
Yes. We offer secure indoor and outdoor storage at our Fareham site, which is useful when equipment arrives early, needs to be held between build and breakdown, or requires temporary storage between events.
Where availability allows, we can support urgent or short-notice lifting and transport requests. We understand that last-minute changes are common in live event environments and will always be clear about what we can accommodate.
Yes. Our operators are fully qualified, and our lifting and transport services are appropriately insured. We are experienced in meeting site-specific health and safety requirements and working within event risk management plans.
We are based in Fareham and regularly support live events and festivals across the South Coast, Hampshire, West Sussex and surrounding areas. Our location between Portsmouth International Port and Southampton docks is particularly useful when event equipment is arriving from overseas, allowing us to support onward lifting, transport and storage efficiently.
We also carry out event lifting and transport throughout the UK where required, particularly for larger or specialist movements.
If you’re unsure whether we can support your event location or equipment arrival, our team is happy to advise.
