What to buy for a singing competition

A singing competition needs more than microphones and a playlist. You will need drinks and snacks for participants, judges, volunteers, and the audience, plus practical serving items and clearly marked equipment for the stage, jury tables, and registration area. Check the venue’s inventory before shopping: speakers, microphone stands, cables, lighting, tables, and chairs are often assumed to be available but may not be. Keep backup audio equipment and spare cables ready before the first singer arrives.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 6
Stage steps
Audience chairsqty 140
Foldable tablesqty 12
Jury tablesqty 2
Bar stoolsqty 4
Coat racksqty 2
Bollardsqty 8

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Subwoofersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
DI boxesqty 2
Music laptop
Backup laptop
USB sticksqty 3
Audio cablesqty 10
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Cable traysqty 12
Laptop stand

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
Light standsqty 2
String lightsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 3

Tableware

Water glassesqty 160
Coffee cupsqty 100
Coffee spoonsqty 100
Platesqty 160
Forksqty 160
Napkin holdersqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Hot drink urnsqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Pliersqty 6
Cooler cratesqty 8

Decorations

Backdrop cloth
Balloon archesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 12
Competition postersqty 6
Directional signsqty 10
Name badgesqty 30
Prize table sign
Table numbersqty 20
Wayfinding signsqty 8
Photo backdrop

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- 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
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Beer - 6 crates
- Non-alcoholic lager - 2 crates
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted sticks - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 5 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mini quiches - 8 boxes
- Mini pizzas - 8 boxes
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Grape jam - 2 jars
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Milk rolls - 80 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Olives - 3 jars
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Paper cups - 250 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Wooden stirrers - 250 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Microfiber cloths - 2 packs
- Paper hand towels - 6 packs

Office

Jury formsqty 30
Participant listsqty 5
Pensqty 40
Pencilsqty 20
Clipboardsqty 10
Printer paperqty 2
Tapeqty 6
Duct tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 4
Markersqty 3
Labelsqty 2
Wristbandsqty 180
Envelopesqty 30
Clipboardsqty 20

Other

Trophiesqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 3
Gift vouchersqty 3
First aid kit
Tissuesqty 10
Power banksqty 3
Spare batteriesqty 24

Tips

Plan drinks by role, not just by headcount: singers, judges, and volunteers may be at the venue for several hours. Chill the drinks before doors open and keep water available near the stage.
Buy enough tableware for the busiest serving period, including water glasses, coffee cups, coffee spoons, and plates. Add a small reserve so a dropped or misplaced item does not interrupt the programme.
Prepare the audio kit around the actual performance setup: wireless microphones, microphone stands, a mixer, DI boxes, audio cables, extension cords, and power strips should be checked together before shopping is finished.
Bring a backup laptop and USB sticks with the checked music files. Test the main laptop, backup files, and connections before the competition rather than waiting for the first participant’s song.
Do not leave prizes, jury tables, stage steps, cable trays, or lighting until the last day. Confirm quantities and venue access early enough to replace missing equipment before setup begins.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a singing competition?: Plan for drinks, snacks, prizes, and serving items such as water glasses, coffee cups, coffee spoons, and plates. The technical setup typically includes speakers, subwoofers, a mixer, microphones, stands, cables, power strips, and a music laptop with a backup.
How many drinks should I buy for a singing competition?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two drinks per person for each additional hour. Buy extra water for singers, judges, and volunteers because they may be present longer than the audience.
What audio equipment is needed for a singing contest?: Prepare speakers, subwoofers, a mixer, wireless microphones, microphone stands, DI boxes, audio cables, extension cords, and power strips. Keep one backup laptop and USB sticks with the checked music files available throughout the event.
When should I buy prizes and check the equipment?: Order prizes and confirm borrowed or rented equipment at least one to two weeks before the competition. Test the complete audio and lighting setup before the event day, then do a final shopping-list check after the venue reservations are confirmed.

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