Responsible Celebrations and the Need for Sensible Sound Levels
The Importance of Sound in Public Gatherings Public gatherings, functions, and ceremonies play an important role in social and cultural life. Whether the occasion is religious, political, festive, or community-based, sound systems are often used to ensure that announcements, speeches, prayers, music, or performances can be heard clearly by those in attendance. In principle, this is a practical and reasonable use of speakers. Sound amplification becomes necessary when a large group of people has assembled, and the purpose is simply to make communication effective and orderly. However, the purpose of using loudspeakers should be limited to serving the audience present at the venue. The volume should be only as high as needed for attendees to hear comfortably and clearly. Once sound extends far beyond the gathering and begins to intrude into homes, schools, hospitals, workplaces, and surrounding neighbourhoods, it stops being a matter of convenience and becomes a matter of public di...