PA Hire in Leicestershire

Funky Parrot Sound and Light provide all types and sizes of complete public address systems, sound reinforcement systems and individual components to events throughout Leicestershire and Warwickshire. A huge range of sound and lighting systems are available even at short notice, enabling events to rely on a constant supply of high-quality electronic equipment which is all PAT tested.

What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?

As a public address/sound system supplier, it is extremely difficult to give an accurate quote without being given a fair amount of detail as to client requirements. With announcement systems it is important that we know if the event is indoor or outdoor. If outdoor, is there a mains supply? How many people are attending? How many microphones? Do you require the ability to play music? Answers to these questions will usually give a good idea of what is required.

With music systems we need to know if it is just playing recordings, or if it is for live singers. When using backing tracks, mains power is essential. Is it indoor or outdoor? How many inputs are required - microphone and/or line? Are subwoofers required? How many in attendance?

Provision for a live band, however, is considerably more complex. Mains power is essential, preferably 32 amp supply. Indoor or outdoor? Attendance level? We also need to know how many channels are required? How many monitors? Two way or three way crossover amplification? Anticipated power output level?

Yes, an amazing number of questions, but each and every event has its own special requirements. It's far better to pose a load of questions than to disappoint a customer by not taking the correct equipment to the event.

What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Explain the event that you are organising, then ask the supplier what he/she would recommend to fit the bill. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand what you are being told or feel that you may be misled. Don't book there and then. It's better to go away and look it up. There's always plenty of answers to be found in a Google search! If the answers don't match up, look for an alternative supplier.

Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.

Funky Parrot was the name of the rather successful discotheque I used to run back in the 1970's. Who can boast being resident D.J. at the same venue for 5 years? I can! Enough of blowing the trumpet! The music scene changed, and I didn't. However, I found a way of making a living by playing records without having to listen to them. I became a jukebox operator! Jukeboxes died out and I had to find a job. For 17 years I installed and serviced fruit machines, and as a hobby played in a band called Soul Station. I was occasionally asked by other bands if they could hire our P.A. which was bigger than most and I began to purchase bigger equipment to cover bigger venues.

I'm now semi-retired and still operating Funky Parrot as a sound equipment hire business. I've picked up a fair proportion of knowledge of the business on the way. I also have a large collection of 1970's kinetic disco lighting.

Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?

I have picked up a number of events, all of which have gone smoothly, and I've met some great people along the way.
As I said, they all went smoothly so it's very hard to pick one out. I have provided systems for live bands, spiritual meetings, military festivals and private parties through this medium. One in particular was a private party in a garden in Hinckley. Three acts, Two solo singers, and a duo. It rained, but no one went home. The venue was fabulous, a scaffolding stage provided cover for the artists (and my gear) and a few gazebos for the guests. Fortunately, it didn't rain for too long so a walk by the illuminated lake with the ducks swimming and music playing a few hundred yards away was certainly memorable, as was the hog roast by Sercombes and the beer tent by Elliswood brewery. Party heaven!