What you need for a choir festival
A choir festival needs more than coffee and a stage. You will be serving visiting singers, keeping sheet music and microphones organised, and moving people efficiently between reception, dressing rooms and performances. Plan drinks and tableware for the full attendance rather than only the choirs on stage. Buy or bring consumables at least 3–5 days ahead, then chill drinks and check technical supplies the day before.
The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.
Tips
- Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Include water at reception and in the performance area, where singers may need it between sets.
- For tableware, allow one plate, fork, knife and spoon per catering portion, plus about 10% extra. Reusable coffee cups and water glasses need the same buffer so a dropped or misplaced item does not stop service.
- Check the sound system at least 24 hours before the festival. Test the mixer, speakers, stage speakers, wireless microphones, microphone stands, cables and DI boxes together rather than checking each item separately.
- Provide one name badge for every participant, organiser and volunteer, with at least 10% spare badges. Keep the printed programme leaflets and run sheets in separate, clearly labelled stacks so they are not mixed up at reception.
- Prepare the room layout before shopping for last-minute supplies: allow tables and chairs for reception and catering, dressing-room tables and clothes racks for performers, and cable mats wherever power or microphone cables cross a walkway.
Frequently asked questions
- What should I buy for a choir festival?
- Plan drinks, coffee supplies, reusable cups, water glasses, plates, cutlery, serving trays and waste bins. You will also need name badges, programme leaflets, banners, stage and sound equipment, extension cords, power strips and cable mats.
- How many drinks do I need for a choir festival?
- Budget 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 drink per person for every additional hour. Add roughly 10% extra, especially for water and non-alcoholic drinks, and chill them the day before.
- How much tableware is needed for a choir festival?
- Allow one plate, fork, knife and spoon per expected catering portion, plus 10% spare. For coffee cups and water glasses, plan one per attendee at a time and add another 10% to cover replacements.
- When should I check choir festival equipment?
- Test the mixer, speakers, microphones, stands, cables, DI boxes, laptop and lighting at least 24 hours before the event. Do a final cable and power check after the stage and tables are set up, before choirs arrive.