What to Buy for a Talent Night

A talent night needs more than a stage and a microphone. You’ll need reliable sound equipment, clear lighting, tables for the jury and presenter, seating, serving supplies and a way to connect the performance laptop. Plan drinks and refreshments around your guest count, then check cables, batteries and adapters before the event. These are the items most often forgotten until performers are already arriving, so collect technical equipment and consumables separately and check both lists at least one week ahead.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 120
Stage sectionsqty 6
Judges' table
Presentation table
Clothes racksqty 2
Tableclothsqty 10

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Microphone cabling
Laptop
HDMI cablesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Backdrop screen

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Atmosphere lightsqty 8
Batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Glassesqty 140
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 140
Forksqty 140
Knivesqty 140
Spoonsqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Hot drink urnsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 10
Pliersqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Festive garlandsqty 12
Stage curtainqty 2
Name badgesqty 140
Wayfinding signsqty 8
Chalkboardsqty 4
Chalk markersqty 8
Prize trophiesqty 3
Gift vouchersqty 3
Program leafletsqty 130
Evaluation formsqty 30
Pensqty 40
Wristbandsqty 130

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomqty 2
Vacuum cleaner
Mop setsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Ice tea - 5 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mini pretzels - 4 bags
- Cheese biscuits - 4 packs
- Salted breadsticks - 4 packs
- Peanuts - 3 bags
- Cashews - 3 bags
- Raisins - 2 bags
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 6 packs
- Mandarins - 30 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 6 tubs
- Carrots - 4 bags
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Herb cheese - 4 tubs
- Dry-cured ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian slices - 1 kilo
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 6 loaves
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Mini bake-off rolls - 100 pieces
- Gluten-free bread - 2 loaves
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Butter - 4 packs
- Margarine - 2 tubs
- Jam - 3 jars
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Honey - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Yogurt dressing - 2 bottles
- Balsamic dressing - 1 bottle
- Mini quiches - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian mini spring rolls - 100 pieces
- Falafel balls - 100 pieces
- Bitterballen - 100 pieces
- Mini pizzas - 80 pieces
- Olives - 4 jars
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 tubs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Mini muffins - 80 pieces
- Chocolate bars - 60 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper cups - 200 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Cocktail sticks - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Hand gel - 4 bottles

Tips

Prepare at least two wireless microphones if performers need quick handovers, and keep spare batteries ready for each microphone and light that uses them.
Bring one microphone stand per fixed microphone, plus enough microphone cabling to reach the mixer without cables crossing the performance area.
Count one chair per expected audience member, then add 5–10% extra if the room allows. Set aside separate tables and chairs for the jury and presenter.
Check the laptop, HDMI cables, speakers and mixer together at least 48 hours before the event. Test every cable with the actual presentation and music files.
For refreshments, plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and about one serving of food per guest. Add extra glasses, cups, plates and cutlery rather than relying on exact counts.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a talent night?: At minimum, plan speakers, a mixer, two wireless microphones, microphone stands, cabling, a laptop and HDMI cables. Test the complete setup at least 48 hours before performers arrive.
How many drinks should I buy for a talent night?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two drinks per person for each additional hour. Add extra glasses or cups for around 10% more than the expected guest count.
How many chairs and tables do I need for a talent show?: Provide one chair per audience member and add 5–10% spare seating where possible. Reserve at least one jury table and one presenter table, with chairs for every person using them.
When should I buy the supplies for a talent night?: Buy or reserve stage, sound and lighting equipment at least one to two weeks ahead. Purchase drinks, food and other consumables two to three days before the event, then check deliveries and batteries the day before.

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