What you need for a music competition

A music competition needs more than microphones and a stage. You will need reliable sound equipment, enough power and cable protection, clear lighting, jury furniture and tableware for performers, staff and guests. Plan separate supplies for the performance area, jury tables and backstage waiting space. This list helps you buy or bring the essentials before the schedule is printed and participants arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 120
Jury tablesqty 2
Stoolsqty 8
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Active speakersqty 4
Mixer
Microphonesqty 6
Microphone standsqty 6
DI boxesqty 4
Headphonesqty 2
Laptopqty 2
USB sticksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Audio cablesqty 12
Instrument cablesqty 8
Gaffer tapeqty 6
Cable traysqty 10
Music standsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 4

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 6
Lighting standqty 2
Mood lightingqty 6
Flashlightsqty 4

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 3

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving jugsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Ice packsqty 24

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 4
Buntingqty 10
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Tableclothsqty 12
Name badgesqty 30
Directional signsqty 12
Photo backdrop

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Vacuum cleaner
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Mini sandwiches - 180 pieces
- Mini pizza slices - 120 pieces
- Cheese crackers - 6 packs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Carrots - 4 bags
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Sliced chicken breast - 1.5 kilos
- Vegetarian spreads - 6 tubs
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Gluten-free buns - 24 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 24 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Muffins - 80 pieces
- Chocolate bars - 60 pieces
- Coffee cream - 4 packets
- Honey - 2 jars
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 2 boxes
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces
- Pens - 40 pieces
- Paper cups - 200 pieces

Tips

Bring at least one spare microphone, several extra audio cables and two USB sticks for backup music files. Test every file and connection before the first performer arrives.
Count power points by area: sound desk, active speakers, lighting, jury tables and registration. Pack extension cords, power strips and cable reels, then secure crossings with gaffer tape or cable trays.
Allow one chair per jury member plus seating for performers and volunteers. Stools are useful for musicians, while clothes racks prevent costumes and coats from ending up on the floor.
Prepare separate tableware quantities for the audience, performers and crew. As a starting point, count one drinking glass and one plate per expected guest, plus extra coffee cups and cutlery for staff.
Set up stage spotlights and mood lighting before the soundcheck, not during the show. Keep flashlights available for backstage movement and power or equipment problems.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a music competition?: Plan active speakers, a mixer, microphones, microphone stands, DI boxes, headphones and a laptop for playback or administration. Bring spare cables, USB sticks and power equipment so one failed connection does not stop the program.
How many microphones do I need for a music competition?: Count one microphone for each simultaneous vocalist or presenter, then add at least one spare. For a solo competition with one presenter, two microphones is a practical minimum.
How many chairs and tables are needed for a music competition?: Provide one chair for every jury member, performer waiting in the venue and volunteer who needs to sit. Add a separate jury table for each judging group and enough regular tables for registration, catering and equipment.
When should I buy or prepare the music competition supplies?: Order prizes, certificates, catering and specialist equipment as soon as registrations show the expected scale. Finish the main equipment check at least 24 hours before the competition and complete the venue setup before the soundcheck.

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