Prediction of off-site noise levels reduction in open-air music events within densely populated urban areas

Performances in open-air settings create challenges in terms of noise pollution, which has to be controlled by the organizers within the limits set by the local authorities that aim to preserve the comfort and health of local residents. In this study, an integrated approach has been developed to control the off-site noise levels, in the framework of H2020 MONICA project. To this purpose, Kappa Futur Festival, an open-air multi stage Electronic music festival attended by more than 50 thousand people, has been considered as a case study. A comprehensive set of actions was put in place for off-site noise predictions using SoundPlan®, a noise modelling software. A measurement campaign through a noise monitoring network was performed during the two days event showing the relevance of the low-frequencies content. The data have been used for calibration of the simulation model. The simulations allowed to pinpoint which sound system, i.e. stage, could cause the dominant noise off-site so that potentially breaches the regulations. The results showed that future editions of the Festival would benefit from feasible mitigations and optimization actions, i.e. variations of stage loudspeaker arrays, stage orientations and FOH level control, by also preserving the optimal levels for the audience.