What you need for a band competition

A band competition needs more than instruments and a stage. You will need supplies for the entrance, judges, performers, audience, refreshments, cables and safe movement around the venue. This checklist helps you shop and collect everything before the final venue check. Use the expected number of bands, crew members and visitors to calculate consumables, then confirm technical requirements with every band before buying or hiring equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 12
Stage steps
High tablesqty 10
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 120
Judges' table
Entrance tableqty 2
Clothing rack

Equipment

Mixer
PA speakersqty 4
Subwoofersqty 2
Monitor speakersqty 6
Microphonesqty 10
Microphone standsqty 10
DI boxesqty 6
Guitar amplifiersqty 4
Bass amplifierqty 2
Drum kit
Music computer
Laptop stand
Extension cordsqty 12
Power stripsqty 10
Cable matsqty 20

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 8
Light standsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 12
String lightsqty 6

Decorations

Stage backdrop
Balloonsqty 100
Decorative fabricqty 4
Competition banner
Direction signsqty 8
Table décorqty 10

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving plattersqty 15
Pitcherqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice containersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Storage binsqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Bottle openersqty 4

Catering

Cash register
Card payment terminal
Wristbandsqty 200
Jury formsqty 20
Program bookletsqty 180
Name badgesqty 30
Pensqty 30
Prizesqty 3
Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 10 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Beer - 12 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 4 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 5 bottles
- Rosé - 5 bottles
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa sauce - 4 jars
- Party nuts - 5 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cheese cubes - 4 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Bread rolls - 80 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Vegan wraps - 40 pieces
- Tortilla wraps - 60 pieces
- Herb cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Herbs - 4 pots
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Pasta - 5 kilogram
- Pasta sauce - 10 jars
- Diced tomatoes - 8 cans
- Grated cheese - 2 kilogram
- Vegan mince - 2 kilogram
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Brownies - 120 pieces
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Apple pie - 4 pieces
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Straws - 250 pieces
- Stir sticks - 250 pieces
- Cocktail sticks - 300 pieces
- Baking paper - 3 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Rubber gloves - 8 pairs

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Mopqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning spongesqty 10
Dish brushesqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Disinfectant sprayqty 4
Paper towelsqty 8

Tips

Plan drinks by headcount: allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two per person for each additional hour. Chill the first batch before doors open and keep reserve stock cold.
Buy snacks for the full audience, bands and crew rather than ticket holders alone. As a starting point, allow 2–3 snack portions per person and include options based on the dietary requirements you collected.
Do not wait for soundcheck to discover missing connections. Match each band’s technical sheet against the mixer, microphones, stands, DI boxes, amplifiers, monitors and extension cords at least 7 days before the competition.
Bring enough cable mats and power strips for every cable route that crosses a public walkway. Keep spare extension cords available, and test the complete power setup before the venue opens.
Prepare separate supplies for the entrance and judges: an entrance table, ticket or registration materials, a judges’ table, jury forms and pens. Set both areas up at least 60 minutes before the first band is due on stage.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a band competition?: Count visitors, bands, judges and crew together. Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, one to two for every later hour, and 2–3 snack portions per person; add dietary alternatives before shopping.
How much stage equipment is needed for a band competition?: The required amount depends on the bands’ technical sheets, so collect them before finalising the list. Check microphones, stands, DI boxes, amplifiers, drum kit, monitors, PA speakers, mixer and cables for every act at least 7 days in advance.
When should I buy supplies for a band competition?: Buy non-perishable supplies, decorations and stationery 3–7 days before the event. Purchase fresh snacks and chillable drinks 1 day before, then complete a stock and venue check at least 2 hours before doors open.
What do I need at the entrance and judges’ tables?: Set up one entrance table and one judges’ table, with the required forms, pens, schedules and visitor information. Have both stations ready at least 60 minutes before the first performance and keep spare stationery nearby.

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