What You Need for a Clown Show

A clown show needs more than a performer and a few chairs. Plan the room around a clear play area, then prepare food, drinks, serving items, decorations and sound equipment so the show can run without interruptions. Use your visitor list to estimate quantities, including dietary requirements, and check what the venue already provides before shopping. The most commonly missed items are extension cords, spare batteries, cups, signs and enough table space for snacks.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 55
Tablesqty 6
Clothing racksqty 2
Buffet tablesqty 3

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpsqty 2
Buntingqty 4
Backdrop cloth
Tableclothsqty 6
Wayfinding signsqty 6

Equipment

Portable speaker
Wireless microphone
Microphone stand
Music player
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Spare batteriesqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 4

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 2
Water jugsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Mini rolls - 60 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Herb cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 2 kilo
- Salted sticks - 3 bags
- Rice cakes - 3 packs
- Wholegrain biscuits - 4 packs
- Gluten-free biscuits - 2 packs
- Vegan cookies - 2 packs
- Apples - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Bananas - 2 kilos
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan seating for every registered guest plus the clown, and leave a clear central play area rather than filling the room with tables and chairs. Check the layout at least one day before the show.
For children, allow about 500 ml of water or other drinks per guest for a short show, plus 2–3 snack portions each. Add 10% extra if attendance is uncertain or the event lasts more than two hours.
Prepare the sound setup before guests arrive: test the portable speaker and wireless microphone, pack spare batteries, and bring extension cords and power strips if the venue’s sockets are not close to the play area.
Set up the reception table with the visitor list, wayfinding signs and any dietary information. Put reusable cups, plates and cutlery where guests can reach them without crossing the performance space.
Buy or bring decorations that can be prepared quickly, such as balloons, bunting and a backdrop cloth. Inflate balloons before guests arrive, and keep a broom and dustpan ready for broken balloon pieces and snack spills.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a clown show?: Allow 2–3 snack portions and about 500 ml of drinks per guest for a short show. Add 10% extra for unexpected guests, and separate food clearly if you have collected dietary requirements.
How many chairs do I need for a clown show?: Provide one chair per registered guest who needs a seat, plus at least 2 extra chairs for staff or late arrivals. Leave the performance area open and avoid placing chairs where children may walk behind the clown.
What sound equipment is needed for a clown show?: Prepare a portable speaker, wireless microphone, microphone stand and music player if the performer uses music or announcements. Test everything at least 24 hours beforehand and pack spare batteries, extension cords and a power strip.
When should I buy supplies for a clown show?: Check your inventory 7 days before the show and complete the main shopping 2–3 days beforehand. Chill drinks and prepare snacks on the day, while decorations and room setup can usually be completed 1–2 hours before guests arrive.

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