What you need for a Battle of the Bands

A Battle of the Bands needs more than instruments and a stage. You will need a working PA, enough microphones and stands, safe cable routing, judge supplies, backstage furniture and drinks for bands, crew and guests. The exact quantities depend on your audience and venue, but this checklist helps you spot the items that are often arranged too late. Check technical requirements with every band before buying or collecting equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 12
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 100
Bar stoolsqty 6
Judges' table
Dressing room tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 4
Bollardsqty 8

Equipment

PA speakersqty 2
Subwoofersqty 2
Mixing console
Monitor speakersqty 4
Microphonesqty 6
Microphone standsqty 6
DI boxesqty 6
Guitar amplifiersqty 3
Bass amplifierqty 2
Drum kit
Keyboard standsqty 2
XLR cablesqty 14
Jack cablesqty 12
Power stripsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 10
Cable traysqty 12
Gaffa tapeqty 6

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 8
Light standsqty 2
Light controller
Mood lightingqty 4

Tableware

Glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Small bowlsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 8
Pliersqty 6
Bottle openersqty 4
Ice spoonsqty 2

Catering

Drink dispensersqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Coffee filtersqty 100
Napkinsqty 300
Snack cupsqty 150
Water Cupsqty 150
Pitcherqty 6
Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Beer - 8 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Ginger ale - 3 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee creamer - 3 tubs
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Mixed snacks - 5 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mini pretzels - 4 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Cheese cubes - 5 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Carrots - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Salsa sauce - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian spreads - 2 kilos
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Nut mix - 3 kilo
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan wraps - 5 packs
- Wraps - 10 packs
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Red onions - 10 pieces
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Pepper - 1 can
- Salt - 1 tin
- Herb mix - 3 jars
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Limes - 20 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 60 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Nitrile gloves - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes

Decorations

Stage backdrop
Bannersqty 4
Balloon archesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 10
Directional signsqty 8
Name badgesqty 120
Badge holdersqty 120
Prize trophy
Medalsqty 3
Table numbersqty 10

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Waste binsqty 8
Toilet brushesqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Paper towel dispensersqty 4

Other

Registration desk
Cash register
Card payment terminal
Cash box
Jury formsqty 30
Clipboardsqty 6
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Program flyersqty 150
Wristbandsqty 150
First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 3

Tips

Plan the sound equipment around the number of performers, not just the number of bands. Ask each band for its input list early, then allow spare microphones, DI boxes, XLR cables and power strips for changeovers.
Provide one judges’ table with enough chairs, printed criteria and pens, and keep the table away from the loudest speaker coverage. Prepare these materials at least one day before the competition.
Set up a dressing-room area with one table and clothes rack per changing space where possible. Bands often arrive with cases, coats and spare instruments, so leave clear floor space rather than filling the room with extra chairs.
Use cable trays or ramps wherever performers, judges or guests cross the stage area, and secure loose cable runs with gaffa tape. Check every extension cord and power strip before the first soundcheck, not during the doors-open period.
Chill drinks several hours before the event and keep a separate supply for performers and crew. For the first hour, allow roughly two to three drinks per person, then adjust the total for the expected event length and whether water is provided.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a Battle of the Bands?: You need a PA with speakers, subwoofers and a mixing console, plus monitor speakers, microphones, stands, DI boxes and suitable cables. Confirm each band’s technical input list at least one week before the event so missing equipment can still be hired or borrowed.
How many microphones do I need for a Battle of the Bands?: Count every vocal microphone first, then add microphones for drums and any amplified or acoustic instruments that need reinforcement. Keep at least two spare microphones available for failures and quick changeovers, and confirm the final channel count before the soundcheck.
How much drink should I buy for a Battle of the Bands?: For the first hour, plan on two to three drinks per person, including water and soft drinks, then add stock for the remaining event time. Chill the first batch several hours ahead and keep extra water available for performers and stage crew.
When should I arrange the stage and sound system?: Collect or confirm the stage sections, PA, monitors, amplifiers, drum kit, cables and lighting at least one day before the event when possible. Build the stage and complete the soundcheck before doors open, leaving enough time for a full band changeover test.

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