Festival-goers across Britain may soon see an end to the dreaded toilet queues that have plagued outdoor events for decades, thanks to a groundbreaking innovation from two female engineering graduates.
The Queue Revolution
Amber Probyn and Hazel McShane, University of Bristol graduates, have developed Peequal - the world's first portable, free-standing urinal specifically designed for women. Their creation addresses what they call "one of the last great inequalities" at public events: the significantly longer waiting times women face for toilet facilities.
How Peequal Works
The innovative design features:
- Six individual urinal spaces arranged in a circular formation
- Privacy screens between each station
- A unique funnel system that allows women to urinate while standing
- No-flush mechanism requiring minimal water
- Rapid setup and takedown capabilities
"Traditional portable toilets see women waiting up to 34 times longer than men," explains McShane. "Our system reduces that waiting time by an incredible 75%."
From University Project to Festival Essential
The concept emerged from the founders' own frustrating experiences at festivals and outdoor events. What began as a university project has now attracted significant interest from major event organisers across the country.
"We conducted extensive research at festivals and found women were spending an average of 40 minutes in queues daily," Probyn reveals. "That's valuable time missing from the music and experience they paid to enjoy."
Environmental and Practical Benefits
Beyond convenience, Peequal offers substantial environmental advantages:
- Uses 98% less water than conventional portable toilets
- Requires fewer vehicle movements for servicing
- Reduces the carbon footprint of event sanitation
- Takes up 50% less space than traditional facilities
The Future of Festival Sanitation
After successful trials at UK events including the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, Peequal is set to appear at major festivals this summer. The startup has already secured partnerships with several prominent event organisers who recognise the game-changing potential of their invention.
As Probyn concludes: "We're not just building better toilets - we're creating a fairer, more efficient festival experience for everyone."
