What You Need for a Comedy Festival

A comedy festival needs more than microphones and a stage. You’ll need enough seating, serviceware, drinks, cooling equipment and technical backups for several acts and audience waves. Use the plan below to cover the items that are easy to overlook, from DI boxes and spare power strips to coffee equipment, coat racks and name badges. Quantities depend on your audience size, but the timing of deliveries and setup matters just as much as the shopping itself.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 6
High tablesqty 12
Guest chairsqty 160
Foldable tablesqty 10
Bar stoolsqty 8
Coat racksqty 3

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
DI box
Laptop
Audio cablesqty 10
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Cash register tabletsqty 2
Card machinesqty 2
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
Mood lightingqty 8
Light standsqty 2

Tableware

Water glassesqty 180
Wine glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice containersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 8

Decorations

Festival postersqty 20
Stage backdrop
Tableclothsqty 12
Artist signsqty 6
Directional signsqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Beer - 10 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Cava - 4 bottles
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Cocktail nuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cheese cubes - 4 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 4 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 6 boxes
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan appetizers - 6 boxes
- Cocktail sticks - 2 boxes
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper straws - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 packs

Cleaning

Trash binsqty 12
Waste sorting stickersqty 12
Broom and dustpanqty 3
Mop setsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Organization

Wristbandsqty 200
Name badgesqty 30
Badge holdersqty 30
Program flyersqty 200
Vouchersqty 1000
Pensqty 20
Clipboardsqty 8
Cash register storage cratesqty 2

Safety

Flashlightsqty 6
Safety vestsqty 8
Cable matsqty 12
Fire extinguishersqty 2
First aid kitsqty 2
Earplugsqty 50

Tips

Plan at least two wireless microphones for the performers, plus one microphone stand and a tested backup cable path. Test every microphone with the mixer before doors open, not just when the first act arrives.
For drinks, allow two to three servings per guest during the first hour, then one serving per guest for each additional hour. Chill the first batch at least four hours before opening and keep reserve drinks in coolers or ice containers.
Match tableware to your largest simultaneous service, not your total attendance. For a seated meal, provide one plate, cutlery set and water glass per guest, plus at least 10% extra for replacements and late arrivals.
Prepare one clearly labelled meal voucher per person who is receiving catering, and keep dietary information with the catering lead at least 48 hours before the festival. This prevents special meals from being lost among general deliveries.
Count power strips and extension cords by production area: stage, mixing position, lighting and catering. Keep audio cables away from power runs, and bring spare batteries for wireless microphones before the venue opens.

Frequently asked questions

How many microphones do I need for a comedy festival?: Plan on two wireless microphones for the stage so one can be used while the other is being checked or passed between acts. Keep at least one tested spare microphone or cable available for a technical failure.
How much alcohol and soft drink should I buy for a comedy festival?: For the first hour, budget two to three drinks per guest; after that, allow one drink per guest per hour. Add at least 10% extra for staff, performers and unexpected demand, and chill the first stock four hours ahead.
How many plates and glasses do I need for the audience?: Buy one plate, cutlery set and water glass per guest for a seated meal, plus 10% extra. If service is spread over multiple sittings, you can reduce the total, but keep enough clean items for the busiest sitting.
When should comedy festival catering be confirmed?: Confirm the order at least 48 hours before the event, including dietary requirements and meal-voucher numbers. Check the delivery as soon as the venue opens so missing trays or special meals can still be replaced.

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