Rainy & Adverse Weather FAQs for Funfairs
Wet forecast? Here’s how we plan, operate, and keep guests comfortable during rain, wind and cold snaps, with indoor backup options and clear operating thresholds.
Contents
- Can we run a funfair in the rain?
- Wet-weather planning checklist
- Site setup: cover, flooring & drainage
- Power & electrics in the wet
- Wind policy & ride adjustments
- Guest comfort & welfare
- Indoor & covered attraction swaps
- Queue-busters & icebreakers
- Warm food & seasonal catering
- Quick FAQs
Can we run a funfair in the rain?
Usually, yes. Light to moderate rain rarely stops play. Heavy rain, standing water, lightning or high winds can trigger short pauses or a switch to covered/indoor layouts. Our event plans follow the framework in
How to Prepare Funfairs for Adverse Weather.
At a glance: Most outdoor plans remain viable with minor tweaks; always have a ready-to-go indoor hub.
Wet-weather planning checklist
On the day
- Log morning inspections; watch real-time rainfall/wind.
- Activate Plan B for sustained showers (>30 min) or poor ground.
- Redirect queues to indoor hubs; rotate teams for mop/entrance mats.
Site setup: cover, flooring & drainage
Spread cover so guests can move between zones with minimal exposure. Prioritise family areas, food courts, queue lines and accessible routes. Use non-slip matting and trackway at entrances and busy paths; clear gullies and keep cable ramps high-grip. Seasonal context: Autumn Funfair Hire.
Power & electrics in the wet
Electrical safety is non-negotiable: IP-rated kit, raised connections, RCD protection, disciplined routing and repeated inspections. For the framework and responsibilities see
Fairground Electrical Safety Regulations.
Wind policy & ride adjustments
Wind is often more limiting than rain. We track gusts and sustained speeds against ride-specific thresholds; we may reduce loading, re-orientate, re-site small units, or pause until safe. Guidance reference:
How to keep Funfair Rides Safe in Windy Conditions.
Indoor & covered attraction swaps
Build an “always-on” indoor hub with these categories (one per brief to keep tagging clean): Electronic & Digital Games Icebreaker Games Garden Games (under cover)
Open-air family zone → Indoor arcade
High throughput, bright visuals, compact footprints.
Outdoor team challenge → Competitive hub
Head-to-head formats keep energy high indoors.
Garden lawn games → Marquee games
Stable on matting; great for families and schools.
Active fun area → Indoor sports zone
Fits halls, gyms and big marquees with easy queuing.
STEM / precision play → Skill corner
Quietly intense, low footprint, broad age appeal.
Queue-busters & icebreakers
Anchor one covered hub with fast-cycle games so there’s always something to do while showers pass. Great picks include Catch It - Reaction Ring Game alongside the competitive titles above.
Quick FAQs
Do you cancel for rain? Light–moderate rain is fine; we may pause for heavy rain, lightning or high winds.
What happens if conditions change suddenly? We switch to the indoor layout, redirect queues, and update signage. For emergency actions, see What to do in a Funfair Emergency.
How are wind decisions made? Against ride-specific thresholds and real-time readings (see the wind guidance above).
Any spring-showers tips? Build a marquee “indoor arcade” and keep walkways matted; planning notes at Spring Funfair Hire.
That’s your rainy-day playbook—plan once, pivot fast, and keep the fun moving.