What you need for a folk concert

What to bring

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

Tips

• Plan at least one spare microphone cable and one spare guitar cable for each performance area. Keep extra XLR cables, extension cords and power strips together at the mixing position rather than unpacking them at the last minute.
• Match speakers, subwoofers and stage monitors to the venue and audience size before buying or hiring anything. Ask performers for their technical requirements at least 2–3 weeks before the concert so you can confirm DI boxes, amplifiers, stands and microphones.
• Count chairs, tables and bar stools from the seating and service plan, not from the room’s maximum capacity. Add a small reserve of about 5% for damaged or unexpectedly needed furniture, especially if the hall also contains a dressing room or catering area.
• For drinks and coffee, calculate roughly 2–3 drinks per guest during the first hour, then about 1 drink per guest per hour afterward. Order reusable glasses, coffee cups, plates and forks for the full expected attendance, plus at least 10% extra for collection delays and breakage.
• Buy cable trays, lighting stands, string lights and atmosphere lights before the setup day, not during it. Prepare tickets and wristbands in batches by registration list, and keep a separate reserve for walk-ins or replacements.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a folk concert?

At minimum, plan for speakers, a mixing console, microphones, microphone stands, stage monitors and the cables or DI boxes required by the performers. Confirm the exact channel list and power needs 2–3 weeks before the concert, because folk acts may use guitars, keyboards and several vocal microphones.

How many drinks should I buy for a folk concert?

Budget for 2–3 drinks per person in the first hour and about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Add 10% to the total, especially when the event has no nearby shops or when guests are expected to stay after the final performance.

How much tableware do I need for a concert?

Provide one plate and fork for every expected catering guest, and enough reusable glasses and coffee cups for the busiest service period. A practical starting point is the guest count plus 10%, so 110 sets for 100 guests, with a washing or collection plan between services.

When should I order supplies for a folk concert?

Confirm technical equipment and performer requirements 2–3 weeks in advance, then order groceries and tableware after registrations and dietary requirements are reviewed. Prepare tickets, wristbands and printed materials at least 3–5 days before the event so there is time to correct names or quantities.

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