How to Start a Music Festival: 5 Pro Tips for the Best Music Festivals
How to Start a Music Festival: 5 Pro Tips for the Best Music Festivals
Music festival setup. It’s not something that everyone is an expert on, but it doesn’t have to be as hard as you might fear.
If you’re wondering how to start a music festival, you’re in the right place, as we’ve got five critical tips for you.
Sound good? If so, keep reading on!
1. Work Out Funding and Budget
It sounds obvious, but yes, you’ll need to know how much money you have to work with, and where it’s coming from. Consider sponsorships and grants if you’re struggling, and don’t live beyond your means. Sure, that world-famous band you’re thinking about might draw plenty of people to your event, but will you have any money left over for the rest of the festival?
At this stage, it’s also important to consider any permits and licenses you might need. Are you using public spaces or selling alcohol? Make sure you’re prepared.
2. Sort the Line-Up
It might sound like another one of the obvious tips for setting up a music festival, but you should definitely ensure that your line-up is suitable. How many bands do you want to include? How many can you accommodate?
Are you going for a mix of genres and eras or focusing on a particular style? You may want to showcase local talent and contact people in the regional music scene or look at more prominent names further afield. It’s up to you, but you must have a plan in place.
3. Look Beyond the Music
What else will you have at your festival? Of course, you’ll probably want vendors to provide food and drinks, and facilities like toilets and a first-aid tent, so you should make sure to sort everything needed to keep your attendees happy.
As well as music, you might consider other performers too. Poets, speakers, dancers, and magicians can all make a festival great, and you could put on other activities for people wanting a break from the music. If your festival is family-friendly, a children’s tent can often be a good idea, too.
4. Equipment and Production
Don’t forget about the technical side of things! It can often be useful to work with a festival management company when it comes to production. Lighting and sound are both important, and you’ll need stages for performers, too.
The attendees won’t see this side of the festival, as long as it runs smoothly. That’s why it’s so important to consider equipment and production. Security, too — you want everything to be secure.
5. Market Your Festival
Once everything’s ready, you need to spread the word! Utilize social media, local press, radio, and other media. Speak to the PR teams of the performers you’re featuring at the festival since you can co-ordinate promotion.
In short, you need to identify your target market and work out how you’re going to sell your event to them.
How to Start a Music Festival Today
It might not be easy, but it’s definitely achievable. Now that you know more about how to start a music festival, you can go ahead and get started! There’s no time like the present to give it a go, and there’s nothing stopping you.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for more info on your favorite media, you should definitely check out some of our other posts.
