Didn’t manage to get Glasto tickets, huh? Don’t have any faith in the re-sale, either? Planning to throw your own function to make up for it, too, hey?
The final throes of festival season may only be two months gone, with the aptly named End Of The Road bringing the curtain down on the UK’s summer-long party only in September, but already we’re casting our minds to 2024 and what’s in store, festival wise.
Though our calves are still aching and our palms stinging, all that’s left now is a melancholy that we’ll have to wait another nine months for more of the same. Of course, this is only exacerbated by See Ticket’s pesky ‘in a queue’ purgatory, but sometimes, out of disappointment, great ideas are born…
…So, next year, why not organise your own party? Pub gardens, abandoned warehouses, fields…they’re all there for the taking! Here are some top tips on how to throw your own mini festival next summer.
Find A Venue
Without one, your festival is nothing more than a few mates in your garden congregated around some cans. Fortunately, the UK has all manner of venues for hire which could do the job of hosting a soiree just swimmingly. Should a family member or friend be lucky enough to live somewhere with a spacious garden, then it’s time to call in the favours. This is ideal territory, as it’s budget friendly and circumnavigates a whole lot of red tape.
Otherwise, a local pub with a beer garden roomy enough for tents and gazebos is a good bet; alcohol licensing and sales will all be in hand, too, allowing you to focus on the finer details. Or, you could go old school rave style, incognito and cloak’n’dagger, sending out a text on the day of the event directing attendees to a secret location. Though that sounds like a lot of excitement, the murky legality and potential fines should probably put you off.
Of course, when considering a venue you need to think about parking provisions, whether there are overnight accommodation options (rooms to rent or even outdoor tent space) and if toilets are provided.
Tickets & Wristbands
Early on in the organisational process, you want to define the purpose of your festival. Do you simply want to host a party for pals, and spend the day glass in hand enjoying yourself? Are you looking to test the temperature for future ventures of a more serious kind? Perhaps you’re hopeful of earning some serious coin from your festival? These considerations will determine your ticket price (if you’re planning of selling tickets, at all) of course.
Imperative to any event of this kind is to have some wearable branding, which stays with punters throughout their festival experience and beyond. This helps in two ways; firstly, and administratively, it’s an easy way for security to identify who is part of the event and who has bought a ticket.
Secondly, and just as crucially, the inclusive, part-of-the-club branding of the best festivals is massively enhanced. Stamps are useful, but wash off too quickly and don’t last long on the hand or in the memory. A personalised wristband is a far better option, particularly as so many cherish them as keepsakes long after their ears have stopped ringing.
Music Matters
Arguably the defining feature of your event and a decision which somewhat dictates the flow of the festival, the clientele, mood and more. Decide whether your line up will be genre specific (for instance, trance) appeal-to-all (ABBA tributes anyone?) or be more fluid (open mic). It’s wise to have a budget set aside for this, not least out of respect for gigging artists. Musicians have got to eat, and here’s nothing worse than trying to coerce an artist with ‘free exposure’. The line up is your key tool in promotional endeavours and social media campaigns, so curate carefully and conscientiously.
Refreshments
One of the most important aspects of any festival is keeping your guests well fed and watered with both ample food and drink provisions. You can provide all of the raucous entertainment you could dream of, but without refreshments (solid and liquid) things just aren’t going to kick off.
Rumbling stomachs and empty glasses are one of the main buzzkills of any event, so make sure you’ve got food stalls aplenty. For a real talking point, steer clear of the usual hog roast and hot dog stands and go for something more unique; Vietnamese pho, vegan burgers…you get the picture.
Secure The Right Equipment
No festival is complete without the right equipment. From the stage setup for your musicians to the sound system that will carry their tunes to every corner of your venue, it’s crucial to have the right gear. Don’t forget about lighting, especially if your festival is going to run into the evening hours.
Portable toilets, or ‘portaloos’ as they’re affectionately known, are a must-have for any outdoor event. Ensure you have enough to cater to your expected crowd size and remember to arrange for their regular cleaning.
Signage is another key aspect. Clear, visible signs directing attendees to different areas of the festival (like stages, food stalls, toilets, and exits) can make the experience much smoother and enjoyable for everyone. There are companies who cover all aspects of festival party hire who can help facilitate a broad order of all these component parts.
Plan For Safety & Security
Safety should be a top priority when planning your festival. Hire professional security personnel to maintain order and ensure everyone’s safety. You should also have a first aid station and trained medical staff on hand to deal with any emergencies.
Consider the potential risks and hazards of your venue and plan accordingly. For instance, if your festival is in a field, make sure there are no dangerous dips or holes that could cause accidents.
Think About Sustainability
Modern day festivals are increasingly striving to be more sustainable, and yours should, too. Make your festival eco-friendly by encouraging recycling, reducing waste, and using sustainable products wherever possible.
You could provide recycling bins around the venue, use compostable plates and cutlery at food stalls, and encourage attendees to bring their own reusable water bottles. You could even offset the carbon footprint of your event by investing in renewable energy projects or tree planting initiatives.
Be Considerate Of Others
If your festival is within or close to a residential area, then it’s crucial that you let neighbours know about it beforehand, perhaps even by offering them an invite. To be extra safe make sure that you’re obeying the local noise pollution laws if the event is going to go on late – and let’s be honest, what festival doesn’t? Nothing ruins a party quite like local police having to pay a visit to tell you to keep it down, so keep one step ahead on that count.
The Bottom Line
Throwing your own mini festival is no small feat, but with careful planning and a dash of creativity, it can be an unforgettable experience. Remember, the key to a successful festival lies in the details – from securing the right venue and equipment, to serving the best drinks, all the wya to ensuring the safety of your attendees and being mindful of your environmental impact.
So, as you start planning for your festival next summer, keep these tips in mind. And remember, the ultimate goal is to create a space where people can come together, enjoy great music, delicious food, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Or, at least the ringing in your ears will…
