Band Competition Shopping List

A band competition needs more than instruments and a stage. You will need reliable sound and power supplies, practical stage and audience furniture, serving items, lighting and supplies for judges and volunteers. Start checking this list at least two weeks before the event, then confirm quantities after registrations close. The number of bands affects microphones, monitors, cables, refreshments and changeover equipment, so do not leave technical checks or the final shop until the day before.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 12
Stage stepsqty 2
High tablesqty 8
Beer tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 80
Judges' table
Bar stoolsqty 4

Equipment

PA sound system
Mixing console
Stage monitorsqty 4
Microphonesqty 8
Microphone standsqty 8
DI boxesqty 6
Instrument cablesqty 12
XLR cablesqty 16
Extension cordsqty 10
Power stripsqty 8
Cable matsqty 12
Mobile phone chargersqty 4
Batteriesqty 24
Hand trucksqty 2
Toolboxesqty 2
Gaffer tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 200
Spare fusesqty 10

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 6
Light standsqty 2
Mood lightingqty 10
Light cablesqty 8

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Pouring jugsqty 6

Decorations

Stage backdrop
Competition bannersqty 4
Tableclothsqty 10
Name badgesqty 30
Tapeqty 6
Painter's tapeqty 6
Directional signsqty 20
Chalkboardqty 2
Chalk markersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 3 cases
- Pilsner - 6 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Mini rolls - 100 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Mixed nuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Waste binsqty 8

Office

Jury formsqty 40
Pensqty 30
Program bookletsqty 150
Wristbandsqty 150
Name stickersqty 60
Prize certificatesqty 6
Envelopesqty 20

Tips

Plan drinks by timing: allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then one to two per hour. Add extra water for performers, judges and volunteers rather than relying only on bar stock.
Count technical connections band by band before buying or borrowing equipment. Confirm the number of microphones, DI boxes, monitor mixes, XLR cables and instrument cables at least one week before the competition.
Prepare power and cable safety before the venue opens. Bring extension cords, power strips and cable mats, and test every lead during the technical setup rather than discovering a missing connection during soundcheck.
Match furniture to the room layout, not just the expected audience. Reserve a separate judges' table with chairs, then count audience seats, high tables, beer tables and bar stools after the performance area and walkways are marked.
Buy or collect serving equipment several days in advance. Reusable drinking glasses, coffee cups, plates, cutlery, coolers, thermos flasks and serving trays are easy to overlook when attention is focused on prizes and the stage.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a band competition?: At minimum, plan a PA sound system, mixing console, stage monitors, microphones, microphone stands, DI boxes, instrument and XLR cables, extension cords, power strips and cable mats. Confirm the exact quantities with every band at least 7 days before the event.
How many microphones do I need for a band competition?: The number depends on each band's setup, so ask for a channel list before ordering or borrowing equipment. Add at least 1 spare microphone and 2 spare microphone cables to cover failures or last-minute changes.
How much lighting is needed for a band competition?: Plan stage spotlights on light stands, plus separate mood lighting for the audience and bar area. Test the lighting positions and cable lengths during setup, preferably 3 to 5 hours before doors open.
When should I buy supplies for a band competition?: Secure technical equipment and furniture at least 2 weeks ahead, once the venue and registrations are known. Buy drinks and other consumables 2 to 3 days before the competition, then do a final count the day before.

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