What to buy for a music competition

A music competition needs more than performers and a stage. You will need reliable audio equipment, safe cable management, practical lighting, jury tables and enough tableware for participants, guests and staff. Plan the technical setup before buying consumables: missing DI boxes, monitor speakers or extension cords can stop a performance, while forgotten water glasses and printed forms create problems during the event. Use this list to check what must be bought, borrowed or collected before opening the venue.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 120
Jury tablesqty 2
Bar stoolsqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2
Stage blocksqty 4

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Subwoofersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
DI boxesqty 4
Monitor speakersqty 2
Laptop
Audio interface
USB sticksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Cable traysqty 12
Gaffer tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 100

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 4
Light standsqty 2
Mood lightingqty 4
Battery lampsqty 6

Tableware

Water glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 120
Forksqty 120
Knivesqty 120
Spoonsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Coffee potsqty 3
Water jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Coolersqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Measuring cupsqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving tableclothsqty 6

Decorations

Stage backdrop
Competition banner
Directional signsqty 8
Name badgesqty 40
Table décorqty 10
Prize tablecloth
Appreciation certificatesqty 25
Trophiesqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Broomqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Still water - 60 bottles
- Sparkling water - 36 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Iced tea - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Stirrers - 150 pieces
- Paper cups - 150 pieces
- Paper napkins - 250 pieces
- Toast - 8 packs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Mini rolls - 100 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 4 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Margarine - 1 tub
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Ham - 1 kilo
- Salami - 1 kilo
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 8 bags
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mandarins - 30 pieces
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted crackers - 6 packs
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Olives - 4 jars
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Party nuts - 5 bags
- Raisins - 2 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Mini muffins - 80 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pesto - 3 jars
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Large trash bags - 20 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Tea towels - 12 pieces
- Kitchen gloves - 2 boxes
- Napkins for the jury - 30 pieces

Tips

Plan one wireless microphone and one microphone stand for each speaking or vocal position you expect to use, plus at least one spare microphone if the schedule is full.
Count extension cords, power strips, cable trays, cable ties and gaffer tape together with the stage layout. Keep cables off walkways and bring more tape and ties than the first cable count suggests.
Allow one water glass per jury member and performer at their station, then add a small buffer for replacements. Coffee cups, plates, forks and knives should cover the full catering headcount, not only registered performers.
Prepare one printed jury form and one printed set of criteria for every jury member, with extra copies for last-minute replacements. Keep USB sticks available for transferring music files and backup copies.
Check the lighting separately from the audio order: stage spotlights and light stands cover performance visibility, while mood lighting and battery lamps help with audience areas and dark access points.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a music competition?: At minimum, plan speakers, subwoofers, a mixer, microphones, microphone stands, monitor speakers, DI boxes, a laptop or audio interface, USB sticks and suitable cables. Match the equipment count to the number of performers and simultaneous inputs, then test every connection before the event.
How many microphones do I need for a music competition?: Count one microphone for each singer, presenter or instrument that needs a microphone at the same time. Add at least one spare if several acts perform in succession, and reserve enough microphone stands for every fixed microphone position.
How much tableware should I buy for the event?: Buy one plate, fork, knife and water glass per catering guest, plus roughly 10% extra for replacements. For coffee, count at least one cup per person per serving round and add extra cups if refreshments are served more than once.
When should I buy or collect the competition equipment?: Have all technical equipment, cables and lighting available at least one day before the competition whenever possible. Test music files, microphones, DI boxes, monitors and power connections before doors open, rather than during the first performance.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.