Running a mini-festival can be an excellent way to pursue your passion for music and live events, and it’s also something that many people turn into a viable and profitable business idea. Starting out small is great when it comes to learning the ropes, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t have your work cut out for you. Even if you have no ambitions to create the next Glastonbury, you’ll still need to get some basics covered to ensure everything runs smoothly and you don’t come across any huge problems. In this guide, we pinpoint some careful considerations that you need to make.
The vibe and feel of your event
If you try to make a festival appeal to everyone, you’ll end up appealing to no one. So it’s time to get some focus and really hone in on what the essence of your event will be. Are you going to centre it around a certain genre of music, such as trance or metal? Do you want to make your event family friendly, and have entertainment options for children? Or are you thinking about putting on a festival that showcases comedy and literary talent? Whatever your preferences, it’s time to make the commitment and get a clear idea of what you’re trying to achieve.
Security
Even if your festival will be really small, security is still an important concern. How will you make sure that no one gains access without a ticket? Will you give out wristbands to help you to manage this? How will you deal with any unwanted behaviour that might occur? No one wants to think that their event might turn sour, but it’s really important that you do consider how you’ll deal with potential security issues. It’ll put your mind at ease, and will create a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
Marketing and promotion
Of course, for your festival to be a success, you need to actually get people to attend. We’ve already looked at what your festival is all about, and this is going to be a big help. Think about the people that you’re trying to appeal to, and establish where you can find them. What magazines do they read? What other events do they attend? What social media sites are they using? Are they members of any forums or discussion groups? Once you know this, you need to put your messages in these places. When you think of it like this, it’s pretty simple!
Sponsorship
Getting sponsors onboard can be a great way to bring in some extra cash, and also provide a full experience for your attendees. Having the backing of a big brand can also do wonders for getting the word out there. Some festivals have sponsors in the form of alcoholic drinks brands, some have clothing businesses, and some have something different entirely. There are no right or wrong answers, and it’s all about finding a fit for your individual event. Don’t be scared to think big and target potential sponsors. Remember that they get something out of it too, in the form of exposure to your festivalgoers. It’s a mutually beneficial deal when done right.
If it’s your first time running a mini-festival, you’ve got a steep learning curve ahead of you. There are many things to think about, and there are likely to be times when you questioned why you even started in the first place! It can also be hugely rewarding though, and can open up massive opportunities for you in the future. Are you going to take the leap?