What you need for a radio concert

A radio concert needs more than instruments and microphones. You also need practical supplies for performers, crew and audience, plus reliable backup items for the broadcast and stage setup. Use the shopping list to prepare drinks, glasses, batteries, cables and other equipment before the final setup day. Check technical requirements against the performers’ needs early, because missing adapters, spare cables or headphones are difficult to replace at the last minute.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 12
Stage stepsqty 2
Chairsqty 120
High tablesqty 10
Tablesqty 8
Folding chairs for performersqty 12
Coat racksqty 3
Clothes hangersqty 120

Equipment

Mixing consoleqty 2
Speakersqty 4
Stage monitorsqty 4
Microphonesqty 8
Microphone standsqty 8
DI boxesqty 4
Headphonesqty 4
Audio interfaceqty 2
Recording devicesqty 2
Laptopsqty 2
DI cablesqty 8
XLR cablesqty 16
Jack cablesqty 12
Audio cablesqty 8
Cable reelsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 12
USB sticksqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 8
Light standsqty 4
Atmosphere lightsqty 12
Spare batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 150
Forksqty 150
Knivesqty 150
Spoonsqty 100

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Serving traysqty 12
Small bowlsqty 16
Serving spoonsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Ice packsqty 24

Decorations

Stage drapesqty 4
Announcement signsqty 6
Program standsqty 4
Wristbandsqty 150
Name badgesqty 30

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Waste binsqty 8

Safety

First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 4
Cable matsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mandarins - 5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 kilo
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilo
- Olives - 6 jars
- Sun-dried tomatoes - 4 jars
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Wraps - 10 packs
- Cream cheese - 3 kilos
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Herb butter - 12 tubs
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Red onions - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Soup herbs - 2 sachets
- Vegetable soup - 10 liters
- Chicken soup - 6 liters
- Vegetarian soup - 6 litres
- Croutons - 4 bags
- Yogurt - 6 kilos
- Muesli - 3 kilos
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 6 trays
- Mini muffins - 6 trays
- Sugar-free cookies - 3 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Vegan spread - 2 kilos
- Vegan wraps - 4 packs
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand sanitizer gel - 6 bottles

Tips

Plan drinks for the full audience, performers and crew, then chill them before doors open. Count drinking glasses as well, especially if drinks are served at high tables or shared refreshment points.
Buy spare batteries before the event, not on the day itself. Keep them with the lighting equipment so they are available for LED spotlights and other battery-powered items.
Allow time to check every cable type required by the setup, including XLR, jack, DI and other audio cables. Pack at least one spare of each essential cable and label cable reels and extension cords.
Prepare USB sticks and recording media before the broadcast test. Leave enough free storage for the complete program and keep a second copy of important music files or recordings.
Match seating and stage furniture to the confirmed layout before shopping or collecting items. Performers may need folding chairs, stage steps and monitors in specific positions, while audience chairs and coat racks need space that does not obstruct cables or exits.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a radio concert?: Plan for drinks and drinking glasses, spare batteries, USB sticks, cables, extension cords and cable reels. The technical setup may also require microphones, stands, DI boxes, headphones, an audio interface, recording devices and a mixing console.
How many drinks do I need for a radio concert?: As a working estimate, allow 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 to 2 drinks per person for each additional hour. Add separate quantities for performers and crew, who are usually present longer than the audience.
When should I check the radio concert equipment?: Complete the equipment check and frequency test at least 1 week before the concert. Test the full signal chain again during setup, including microphones, DI boxes, headphones, recording devices and the mixing console.
How many spare cables and batteries should I bring?: Bring at least 1 spare for every essential cable type and keep 10 to 20% extra cable length available for the final layout. Pack enough spare batteries for one complete replacement cycle of the lighting equipment.

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