Libraries and leisure

Pricing and concessions

The information below mostly relates to large scale outdoor events but the questions posed about possible audience would be worth considering for other types of events as well.

Pricing

Consider the factors that might affect the numbers of people attending your event. These could include:

• How long is the event open to the public and at what time of day. If its all day, refreshments will be needed to cover up to three meals as well as snacks. If its only an evening event drinks and light refreshments might be all that is needed.
• Is it a family event?
• Is it a young people's event?
• What time of year is the event being held?
• Are you operating during the day or at night?
• What is the geographical audience for you event? Is it a local, regional, or national event?
• How widely will it be advertised?
• What is the catchment area that your event targets? Is it the nearest town, city or surrounding villages?
• Is there a similar event either on the same date or geographically nearby that could affect numbers?

How does this information balance against your expenditure and your required takings?

Depending on the conclusions you reach after considering the above, you may wish offer caterers concessions to sell refreshments at your event. To do this:

• Estimate the number of people expected to attend the event
• Divide this figure by two, this will give a reasonable assessment.
• Estimate the number of people who will spend money at the event. A good guide is approximately a 20% spend at a County Show and 70% at a fireworks display.
• An average spend per adult is approximately £5.
• Consider the type of food the vendor is selling in line with the type of event you are running.
• Based on the above rent should be 25% of what you expect a vendor to take per day.