What to Buy for a Music Competition

A music competition needs more than microphones and speakers. You also need reliable power and audio connections, stage and jury furniture, registration supplies, lighting, serving items and materials for the awards. Check the technical requirements for every participant before buying or collecting equipment. Confirm quantities against your final participant list, then complete the shopping and equipment check several days before the competition so missing cables, adapters or tableware do not delay the schedule.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 12
Jury tablesqty 3
Registration tablesqty 2
Buffet tablesqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 180
Bar stoolsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Mixing console
Speakersqty 4
Subwoofersqty 2
Microphonesqty 6
Microphone standsqty 6
DI boxesqty 4
Audio cablesqty 16
Extension cordsqty 10
Power stripsqty 8
Laptop
USB sticksqty 3
Headphonesqty 2

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 6
Light standsqty 2
Work lightsqty 4

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 220
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 3

Kitchen

Refrigeratorsqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Serving traysqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Measuring cupsqty 3

Decorations

Competition banner
Stage backdrop
Tableclothsqty 12
Buntingqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 4
Table numbersqty 12
Name badgesqty 40

Sports equipment

Bollardsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 2

Catering

Serving bowlsqty 12
Snack plattersqty 12
Drink dispensersqty 4
Waste binsqty 8
Trophiesqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 20
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea bags - 120 pieces
- Herbal tea - 30 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 10 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
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Cocktail nuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini rolls - 180 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Croissants - 60 pieces
- Butter - 1.5 kilos
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian spreads - 12 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Mini pizzas - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian mini pizzas - 60 pieces
- Bitterballen - 200 pieces
- Vegetarian bitterballen - 100 pieces
- Mini frikandellen - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian mini sausages - 60 pieces
- Spring rolls - 100 pieces
- Vegetable spring rolls - 60 pieces
- Apple pie - 4 pieces
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Chocolate bars - 60 pieces
- Ice cream - 6 liters
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegan cheese - 1 kilo
- Vegan spreads - 6 tubs
- Lactose-free milk - 2 liters
- Lactose-free cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Nut-free cookies - 4 packs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper cups - 250 pieces
- Paper plates - 250 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 250 pieces
- Teaspoons - 150 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Hand sanitizer gel - 6 bottles
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Food storage containers - 20 pieces
- Highlighters - 12 pieces
- Pens - 40 pieces
- Paper - 3 packs
- Tape - 6 rolls
- Labels - 200 pieces

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 6
Broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Paper towel dispensersqty 4
Toilet brushesqty 4
Drying racksqty 3

Tips

Allow at least one microphone and stand for each simultaneous vocal or spoken performance, plus spare audio cables and adapters. Check every participant’s technical requirements before the final equipment collection.
Plan one registration table and one jury table for each working area, with enough chairs for the judges, registration team and performers waiting to check in. Print participant lists and the programme before the venue inspection.
Buy or collect serving supplies based on your confirmed attendance: glasses for cold drinks, cups for hot drinks, plates and cutlery for every guest who will eat. Arrange refrigerators and coffee or tea pots before shopping for perishables.
Set aside USB sticks and a laptop for the music files, and keep headphones available for checking tracks before they are sent through the PA. Test the mixing console, speakers, subwoofers, DI boxes and power strips together rather than separately.
Order prizes and prepare certificates before competition day, not after the results. Keep them at the registration or jury area in a labelled box so the awards can start immediately after the final performance.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a music competition?: Plan for a mixing console, speakers, subwoofers, microphones, microphone stands, DI boxes, audio cables, extension cords and power strips. Add a laptop, USB sticks and headphones for receiving and checking music files, then verify the exact number of inputs with the participants’ technical requirements.
How many microphones do I need for a music competition?: Start with one microphone for each performer or setup used at the same time, then add at least one spare microphone if the schedule is tight. The final number depends on the entries, so confirm requirements before reserving or buying equipment.
When should I buy supplies for a music competition?: Finish the main shopping and equipment collection several days before the event. Buy fresh drinks and food close to the competition, usually one day before, after confirming attendance and dietary requirements.
What should I prepare for the jury and registration desk?: Provide jury tables, registration tables, chairs, printed participant lists, the programme, evaluation forms and certificates. Prepare these materials at least one day in advance, and keep the certificates and prizes together for the awards.

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