What you need for a street theatre festival

A street theatre festival needs more than costumes and a programme. You need equipment that can move between play areas, signs that keep audience routes clear, and reliable power for sound and lighting. This shopping list covers the practical kit to buy, borrow or reserve before performers arrive. Check quantities against the number of locations, artists and expected audience members, then add time for charging, transport and setup.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 80
Beer tablesqty 8
Tableclothsqty 12
Clothes racksqty 4

Equipment

Battery-powered speakersqty 4
Wireless microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
Mixing consolesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Rechargeable batteriesqty 12
Power banksqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Megaphonesqty 2
Flashlightsqty 8
Hand trucksqty 3
Traffic barriersqty 24
Traffic conesqty 20
Reflective vestsqty 12
Stage sections

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 8
LED work lightsqty 6
Lamp Standsqty 6
Cable matsqty 12

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Festival Flagsqty 30
Balloon archesqty 4
Directional signsqty 16
Program clipsqty 8
Chalkboardsqty 6
Chalk markersqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 6
Ground pegsqty 40
Ratchet strapsqty 16
Tent weightsqty 16
Sidewalk chalkqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 600
Coffee cupsqty 250
Platesqty 250
Cutlery setsqty 250
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving tongsqty 12
Coffee potsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 8
Pliersqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 4
Food containersqty 20
Ice packsqty 30
Serving traysqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 20
Dustpan and brushqty 6
Broom setsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Disinfectant dispensersqty 8
Toilet brushesqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety glovesqty 12
Bandagesqty 4
Thermal blanketsqty 6
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Emergency blanketsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea selection - 200 bags
- Sugar sticks - 300 pieces
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Chocolate milk - 12 liters
- Cola - 24 liters
- Cola Zero - 24 liters
- Soda - 18 liters
- Ice tea - 18 liters
- Sparkling water - 24 liter
- Still water - 48 liters
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Lemons - 3 kilogram
- Fresh mint - 10 bunches
- Ice cubes - 40 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 10 bags
- Salt sticks - 8 bags
- Popcorn - 8 bags
- Mini pretzels - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 bags
- Raisins - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Mandarins - 5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 3 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 3 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 2 kilograms
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Vegan cheese - 1 kilogram
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Vegan toppings - 2 kilogram
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Mini rolls - 300 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Wraps - 100 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Pesto sauce - 2 kilograms
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Paprika powder - 1 can
- Garlic powder - 1 canister
- Herb mix - 2 containers
- Vegan quiche - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 60 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwich rolls - 30 pieces
- Lactose-free milk - 4 liters
- Vegan cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 250 pieces
- Apple pie slices - 150 pieces
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Compostable snack bags - 500 pieces
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant - 3 bottles
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 packs

Tips

Plan one clear sign at every route junction and at each play area entrance. Prepare spare directional signs and chalk markers because outdoor signs can be moved, damaged or become hard to read.
Allow at least one fully charged battery set for every wireless microphone and speaker, plus a second set as backup. Charge rechargeable batteries and power banks the day before, not during setup.
Measure cable runs before ordering extension cords and cable mats. Cover every cable crossing used by the public; keep spare power strips and extension cords with the technical equipment.
Give each performance area its own basic lighting and communication plan. Flashlights, LED work lights and walkie-talkies are especially easy to forget when several areas finish at different times.
Reserve transport equipment early for a festival spread across streets. A hand truck can save repeated lifting of folding tables, chairs, speakers, lights and signs during setup and breakdown.

Frequently asked questions

How many chairs and tables do I need for a street theatre festival?: Start with the number of seated audience areas, staff points and refreshment or information tables. As a working estimate, provide 1 table for every 20–30 expected visitors at staffed points and 1 chair per worker or performer who needs to sit; add 10% spare seating if space allows.
How much power equipment is needed for street theatre?: Count the speakers, microphones, lights and other devices at each play area, then provide at least 1 suitable extension cord and power strip per area, with spare cables. Keep 1 backup power bank or charged battery set for each mobile sound setup and test everything at least 24 hours beforehand.
When should I prepare signs and festival flags?: Sort and label directional signs, festival flags, programme clips and barrier tape at least 1 day before the festival. Prepare one complete set per street route or play area, plus around 10% extra signs or fastening materials for replacements.
What should I bring for outdoor festival setup?: Bring weather-ready basics such as party tents, tablecloths, cable mats, LED work lights, flashlights and barrier tape. Check the forecast 24 hours before opening and keep a clearly marked backup box with spare batteries, power banks, chalk markers and fastening supplies.

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