Tips On Hosting Folk FEstival

[zoukibanjo]

hi guys,

im hoping to organise a small weekend event this summer. folk/trad/roots music. I already have a hotel venue with lots of outdoor space sorted as I work there, and the town already hosts a bluegrass festival every year. im hoping to do this folk festival just in the hotel, with maybe a couple of small bands each day, free picking sessions and art stalls etc. im well prepared to do all the work but has anybody got any tips, suggestions for me? im hoping to draw maybe 200-300 over the three days. or should I aim bigger??? thanks for the help

[grumpyhack]

Absolutely essential tip ZB. Don't try and do it on your own. You need a team. Simple example: someone needs to be front of house dealing with tickets, that person can't also be backstage at the same time dealing with artists or sorting the PA and lighting.

Maybe you need some volunteer stewards (a freebie in exchange for their time).

Talk to the organisers of the Bluegrass Festival. Maybe you could share info and publicity/mailing lists. And pick their brains on potential problems.

Contact organisers of other similar festivals and pick their brains.

Speak to the local authority licensing dept.

Maybe contact the Association of Festival Organisers.

Also check what else is on in your area at the same time so you don't clash.

Good luck. The more fests the better.