The Scarborough Open Air Theatre is an outdoor concert venue located in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England. It hosts a variety of live music events and concerts during the summer months. However, as an outdoor venue, it is susceptible to weather conditions like rain. This leads many concertgoers to wonder – what happens if it rains during a show at Scarborough Open Air Theatre? There are a few potential scenarios.
The Show Goes On
For light or intermittent rain showers, the show will often continue as planned at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre. The venue has some covered seating areas that provide shelter from light rain. If the rain is brief, artists will sometimes continue performing on the outdoor stage, and concertgoers can choose to tough it out in their seats or take cover under overhangs until the rain passes. Unless there are safety concerns like lightning, light rain will not necessarily cancel a show.
Rain Delay
If there is a heavy downpour or sustained periods of rain, the show may go into a rain delay or intermission until the weather improves. During the rain delay, crew members may cover the stage equipment with tarps to protect it from getting wet. The venue may also make announcements instructing concertgoers to take shelter in their cars or at covered concession areas. Artists and crew use the rain delay to evaluate if the show can eventually go on or if a cancellation is necessary.
Show Cancellation
If heavy rain persists for an extended period of time, a show at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre will be cancelled. This is usually determined if the rain delay lasts more than an hour or two without improvement. The outdoor stage and equipment are not meant to withstand lengthy heavy rainfall. In case of a cancellation, announcements will be made both at the venue and via social media to alert ticketholders not to come or to leave early if already there. Refunds are issued for cancelled shows due to weather.
What types of covers are available at the venue?
The Scarborough Open Air Theatre has both reserved covered seating and general admission uncovered seating:
Reserved Covered Seating
The venue has a dedicated covered grandstand area that provides shelter for reserved ticketholders. This grandstand has a roof over the top and angled translucent sides to protect from wind and rain while still allowing for good views. The covered reserved seating section has plastic bucket seats. Being under the roof provides a refuge during rain delays or brief showers at the Open Air Theatre.
Uncovered Seating
Much of the general admission “in the round” seating at the venue is uncovered. These areas have folding chairs set up on the grassy hill surrounding the stage. During rain, these uncovered seating zones are exposed to the elements. Concertgoers need to bring rain gear like ponchos and umbrellas or be prepared to take shelter elsewhere if precipitation begins. The uncovered seats are lower cost options for drier weather.
Are tickets refunded if it rains?
If a show at Scarborough Open Air Theatre gets cancelled due to heavy rain or dangerous weather conditions, ticketholders are eligible for a refund for the full purchase amount including fees. Refunds may be issued automatically back to the original payment method used. Ticket holders should also look out for emails from the venue with cancellation notices and refund details.
If a performance is only temporarily delayed by rain but eventually continues as planned, refunds are not offered. The venue will make efforts to restart the show once it is safe to do so. Light or passing rain showers that don’t halt the concert for long will not warrant ticket refunds. However, if guests feel conditions are unsuitable enough to leave early, they can request a partial rain check voucher for a future event.
How does the venue handle lightning storms?
When lightning is detected within 10 miles of the Scarborough Open Air Theatre, safety procedures go into effect. A weather delay will be instituted, and guests will be asked to leave their seats and take shelter away from tall structures. Nearby parking garages, indoor bathrooms, and covered concession areas provide safer options during lightning storms.
Venue staff monitor real-time lightning detection technology and weather radar systems. They consult with on-site meteorologists to determine when lightning has passed and it is safe to resume the show. If lightning persists or is headed back towards the venue, a cancellation may be necessary. Staff prioritize the safety of concertgoers, artists, and crews during dangerous weather.
Are umbrellas allowed in the seating areas?
The Scarborough Open Air Theatre generally discourages umbrellas in the seating zones even if it is raining. Large golf umbrellas can obstruct the views and experience for other guests. However, small compact umbrellas are permitted. Ponchos, rain coats, hats, and other apparel provide better rain protection without getting in the way of fellow concertgoers.
If bringing an umbrella, be courteous about how it is positioned and be ready to lower it if asked by staff. Seating areas are tight, so umbrellas can be disruptive. But they can provide comfort on wet ground while waiting in line at venue entrances. Use good umbrella etiquette to keep rain coverage without ruining the show for others.
Does the show go on during a storm with high winds?
High winds can also halt shows at the open-air Scarborough venue for safety reasons. Sustained winds over 30 mph may trigger a delay or cancellation, especially if blowing rain sideways through the theatre.
Stage scrims and background screens can whip violently in high winds. Loose debris can also become dangerous projectiles. So it is too risky for artists, crew, and equipment to remain outdoors during gusty storms. But brief heavy winds will just temporarily pause the event until it is safe to continue.
Staff monitor wind speeds and patterns to determine when it has calmed enough to resume the concert. If winds stay intense for over an hour, cancellation is likely since the outdoor stage setup is vulnerable. But the venue aims to restart shows and avoid cancellations whenever winds die down enough to operate safely again.
How should guests dress for rain at an outdoor concert?
Because of the open-air exposure, guests should check the weather forecast in advance and dress accordingly when attending shows at Scarborough Open Air Theatre. Here are some tips for concert attire if rain is expected:
– Bring waterproof outer layers like ponchos, jackets, or rain suits that can be worn over other clothes to stay dry.
– Wear moisture-wicking base layers and closed toe shoes or boots that can get wet and dirty from rain and mud.
– Accessorize with waterproof hats or caps to keep the rain off your face and hair.
– Bring extra layers for warmth if cooler temps accompany the rain.
– Don’t wear sundresses, shorts, or flimsy footwear that will get drenched in a downpour.
– Waterproof your belongings like phones and bags with plastic covering.
Dressing practically for wet weather will keep you comfortable and able to better enjoy the show amidst the rain. Being prepared with the right rain gear makes Open Air Theatre concerts more fun when the weather is uncooperative.
How does rain impact the concert acoustics?
The sound quality and acoustics of a concert can be affected by heavy rain at an open-air venue like Scarborough. The hissing of rainfall can overpower softer musical elements and muffle amplified sounds. Thunder rumbling can also compete with the on-stage audio.
To counteract this, sound engineers may have to increase volumes and adjust equalization and effects settings during wet weather shows. The artists themselves may also modify their delivery and play more robustly to cut through the rain interference.
When rains subsides, adjustments have to be made again to reduce noise levels with less ambient precipitation. The keys are making incremental tweaks to compensate for rain sounds and being flexible to adapt the live audio mix as conditions change. With the right monitors and sound experience, concerts can still sound great despite the acoustic challenges of rain.
Will a rainy concert still be an enjoyable experience?
While rain at an outdoor concert can be inconvenient, many dedicated music fans will tell you the show is still worth seeing. As long as you dress appropriately for wet weather and have reasonable expectations, you can have an enjoyable time even in the rain and standing water.
The cooling effect of rain on a hot day can be refreshing. Gathering with other enthusiastic concertgoers to cheer on artists battling the elements can bond you together. The performers themselves often relish the chance to prove they can put on an amazing show despite the conditions.
So mindset and attitude adjustments along with practical preparations like rain gear and shelters can help you make the most of a rainy concert at Scarborough Open Air Theatre. A little precipitation doesn’t have to ruin your experience at this storied outdoor venue.
Will the concert get rescheduled if it rains?
For the most part, rain events at Scarborough Open Air Theatre will either go on through the weather or get cancelled and refunded rather than rescheduled to a whole new date. The venue’s summer season schedule is usually too packed to easily move a major concert to a different night.
Artists have tour schedules and travel considerations that limit their date flexibility too. And rescheduling involves a lot of logistical planning to rebook staff, vendors, and promotions. So complete postponements are reserved only for the heaviest extreme weather that makes it 100% impossible to hold the show safely.
More often, the venue is committed to trying its best to execute the concert as originally dated. Minor rain delays, cancellations mid-show, or partial refunds for weather leave the date itself intact overall. Barring a hurricane or monsoon, the show at Scarborough Open Air Theatre will try to go on rain or shine.
How is severe weather monitored at the venue?
Scarborough Open Air Theatre has sophisticated systems to monitor real-time weather conditions and forecasts. On-site meteorologists use radar technology to track incoming rain, lightning, and wind patterns and determine severity and timing.
Staff use handheld weather meters to gauge temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and humidity levels. They communicate with local weather services to get up-to-the-minute updates on storm paths and intensity.
Venue operators also consult emergency agencies in case dangerous weather requires evacuation protocols. They analyze scientific weather data alongside experienced human insight to make the right safety calls for artists and audiences during outdoor shows.
Does the stage have overhead coverage?
The permanent oversized stage at Scarborough Open Air Theatre is completely outdoors without any permanent roof. The arched metal frame holds an array of lighting rigs, speaker systems, and display screens with no overhead covering.
Some temporary climate protection measures may be added for certain adverse weather scenarios:
– A tarp can be stretched overhead to shield equipment from vertical rain.
– Side curtain panels may be lowered as wind blocks.
– Industrial fans are used to dry the stage between wet sets.
– Anti-slip decking creates safer footing.
But overall, the massive stage has no permanent roof and remains exposed to the elements. It is designed to withstand and perform through light to moderate rain if needed. Completely covering such a large stage would obstruct the open-air experience.
Are concessions and restrooms available during rain delays?
Scarborough Open Air Theatre keeps indoor concession stands and restroom facilities open and available to concertgoers during rain delays. Guests are encouraged to take shelter in these areas while waiting for the show to resume after prolonged downpours or lightning storms.
Food, drinks, and merchandise continue to be sold during weather interruptions so fans have refreshments while enduring the delays. Having bathrooms available also provides comfort and convenience. Staff may restrict the number of people permitted indoors at one time depending on space.
The covered concession zones give people a dry place to congregate, keep Updated on delay timelines, charge phones, and wait for further instruction on the show resuming or cancelling. Staying fueled and entertained indoors makes the rain delays more bearable.
Conclusion
Rain is an unavoidable challenge at an open-air concert venue like Scarborough Open Air Theatre. But knowing what to expect and preparing properly can allow you to still enjoy great live music experiences even in wet weather. Keep an eye on forecasts before shows, dress accordingly, take advantage of on-site shelters if needed, and have a flexible mindset. With the right rainy day game plan, the show can go on for audiences rain or shine.
