Awful windy lately, eh? Awful windy. Here at Sternberg Clarke, we’ve actually been blocked into the office by a wind-swept piece of corrugated iron that now obstructs the exit to the building. Thankfully, we’ve got such a warm and friendly working environment that no one has any desire to leave. Ever.

But the windy weather has affected us in other ways as well, roads have been closed en route to events, our phone lines have been down and did I mention that a sheet of iron is blocking the exit to the building?  All this got me thinking, as usual, ‘How can I torturously link this to entertainment for an Event Magazine Blog?’ This may be the cabin fever talking – trapped as I am in my own office by misplaced building materials – but to make sure the events industry is prepared for any future gales, I thought I’d share my Top Tips for Booking Corporate Event Entertainment in windy conditions…

Place Guests “Down-Wind Of Musicians”

If you’re planning an outdoor event, perhaps a garden drinks reception, and you refuse to be scared off by the fact that a.) It’s Really Windy and b.) It’s January – then proper placement of musicians is crucial to the “success” of your event. Gauge the wind speed and direction and make sure that guests are downwind of the band (A wind trio, perhaps?) to ensure the sound is whipped along on the breeze, directly into the ears of the wind-blasted party goers.

Look for Sturdy Performers with a Low Centre of Gravity

In blustery conditions the acts that fair best have a low centre of gravity – Living Tables for instance, consist of a person with a sturdy wooden table attached around their waist ensuring even weight distribution and steady footing even in a strong wind. Stilts on the other hand, are a liability in these sort of weather conditions; I can’t tell you how many stilt-walkers we’ve lost in 2012 already. The same goes for balancing/acrobalance acts who are equally vulnerable to even the slightest breeze – bad news for the English Gents this January. If all else fails – try to hire large footed, thick legged performers with wind-resistant hairstyles.

No Jugglers or Flame Acts

This one goes without saying – juggling in windy conditions is difficult enough but when that which is being juggled is ‘on fire‘, the wind truly becomes a juggler‘s enemy. No one enjoys watching someone frantically chase after a handful of sticks covered in lighter fluid on a breezy night. Contact jugglers on the other hand, use weightier Crystal Balls that are far less susceptible to northerly gusts… they’re also ‘not on fire’.

When it comes to entertainment in the windier months, remember that “For Wind, Forewarned is Forearmed… For Entertainment”

For more thoughts on entertainment and the events industry, be sure to take a look at our blog!