What to buy for a torchlight procession

A torchlight procession needs more than torches and lighters. You also need safe lighting for the route, clearly marked stations, fire-control equipment, communication tools and a practical setup for the start and finish. Buy or gather supplies early, especially spare batteries, windshields and enough safety equipment for every supervised section. Use the list below alongside your route plan and participant numbers so you can prepare the right quantities without last-minute shopping.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 12
Waste binsqty 4

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 12
Battery lampsqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 24
Headlampsqty 12
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Torchesqty 70
Torch holdersqty 70
Lightersqty 8
Windshieldsqty 20

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Megaphone
Phonesqty 4
Power banksqty 4
Speaker

Fire safety

Fire extinguishersqty 4
Fire blanketsqty 4
Buckets of waterqty 6
Metal fire binsqty 3

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 16
Flashlightsqty 8
Barrier tapeqty 4
Traffic conesqty 12
Reflective route arrowsqty 30
Conesqty 20
Route mapsqty 20

Decorations

Start sign
Final sign
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving jugsqty 4

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Storage binsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 4
Coffee spoonsqty 20
Jerry cansqty 6

Tools

Hammerqty 3
Ropeqty 3
Cable tiesqty 100
Duct tapeqty 4
Work glovesqty 10

Cleaning

Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 8
Dishclothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Registration

Attendance formsqty 10
Pen setsqty 4
Wristbandsqty 80
Clipboard foldersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 8 liters
- Chocolate milk - 10 liters
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Marshmallows - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Pretzels - 3 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Currant buns - 50 pieces
- Mini sausages - 6 cans
- Vegetarian snack balls - 4 packs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Ice cubes - 10 bags

Tips

Plan at least one torch or approved light per participant, then add 10% spare torches for breakages, lost items or children who need a replacement. Check every torch before the event rather than discovering faults at the start.
Provide a visible safety setup at each fire-control point: a fire extinguisher, fire blanket and bucket of water. Keep metal fire bins available where used torches or other hot materials need to be collected.
For a dusk or dark route, prepare lighting at every station and along any poorly lit section. Pack spare batteries separately, and give supervisors headlamps or flashlights so they can work without using a participant’s torch.
Mark the route before people arrive with reflective route arrows, traffic cones, cones and barrier tape. Bring extra markers for crossings, turns and the start area, where signs are most likely to be moved or overlooked.
Prepare one communication kit for each supervisor group, including a charged phone or walkie-talkie and a power bank. Keep the megaphone at the start or finish, and print the route map and participant list before setup begins.

Frequently asked questions

How many torches do I need for a torchlight procession?: Plan one torch or approved light per participant, plus around 10% spare torches. For 100 participants, that means about 110 torches, subject to your safety rules and the type of torch used.
What fire safety equipment is needed for a torchlight procession?: Prepare at least one fire extinguisher, fire blanket and bucket of water for each supervised fire-control point. Add metal fire bins wherever hot or used torches must be collected, and check the equipment before setup.
How much extra lighting should I buy for a night procession?: Provide lighting for every station and dark route section, then bring spare batteries for all battery-powered lamps. Keep at least 10% extra batteries as a practical buffer, and give each supervisor a headlamp or flashlight.
When should I buy supplies for a torchlight procession?: Buy specialist lighting and fire-safety supplies at least 1–2 weeks before the procession. Check torches, batteries, communication equipment and route markers several days before the event so replacements can still be found.

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