How to organise an event at your local music venue

Think about the type of event you want to organise

If you’re thinking about how to organise an event at your local music venue, consider the type of event you’d like to put on. After all, local venues are small, but they can host a wide range of events.

Does your area have a few really talented bands? Maybe there are a lot of bands that have just started that need the platform. Perhaps you’d like to showcase the array of DJ talent in your area. Or you’re an ambitious promoter who thinks your local venue could attract a fantastic, established artist. 

Whichever route you go down, you’ll need to decide at the start. The approach will determine your marketing, budget and much more. 

Talk to the acts you’d like to book

Next, when you’re thinking about how to organise an event at your local music venue, you’ll need to talk to the artists. 

If you’re trying to book an event with an established performer, their booking agent will be the best route. You can usually find booking agent details on the artist’s Instagram or Twitter page. 

Once you’ve got the details, send out an email as early as possible. Artists and their agents are often busy, and you might have to do a lot of negotiating along the way. 

If you’re booking local acts, they might not have a booking agent, so you can contact them directly. Send an email and get the ball rolling once you’ve decided who you’re going to book.

Contact the venue

Your event can’t go ahead without a venue. Whether you contact your local venue by phone, email or in person, do it as soon as possible so you can get the ball rolling. 

With an idea and interest from the people you want to book, you’re in a great position to go to the venue. Before you set a meeting up, though, have a think about why you are organising this event. 

Is there a gap in the market? Will people turn up? Does your area need something like this? These are all questions that will help you sell your idea, giving you a better chance of success. After all, the venue needs to know what your event can do for them, too. 

List your event

Once you’ve secured your venue and booked your acts, you’re nearly there. The next step? Listing your event. 

Here at Skiddle, we’re passionate about hosting grassroots, independent events, and our flagship tool, The Promotion Centre, is equipped to list gigs, club nights and everything in between. 

With The Promotion Centre, you’re in control. You can select your venue, set ticket prices, create multiple tickets, decide the allocation and analyse your event afterwards with our data tools. 

So, whether you’re organising an all-day festival or nighttime gig, we can help. Want to know something even better? The Promotion Centre is free to use. Hit the button below, sign up today and list your event within the hour. 

Shout about what you’re doing

When it comes to organising an event at your local music venue, promotion is the final piece of the puzzle. 

So, pick a platform and shout about what you’re doing. If you’re on Instagram, for example, you could post content with the bands you’ve booked, show you and your team doing behind-the-scenes work and produce quality content that will make people want to attend your event. 

E-Flyers can help here, too. Once you’ve signed up to Skiddle, contact our Account Support team on 03333010301 to book one. 

They are targeted emails sent to people who live within a 20-mile radius of your venue and have attended events like yours before. You’ll be advertising your event to people in and around your area, giving you a higher chance of ticket sales. 

Hit the button below to discover more about E-Flyers.