Festival Changeover Guide: Tips for Fast Setup

The "Changeover" is the most stressful part of festival life. You have 20 minutes to clear the previous band, set up your gear, patch it, and line check. Here is how to win.

1. Prep Off-Stage

Never build your drum kit on stage. Build it on a rolling riser (if available) or in the wings. Attach cymbals, set heights, and tape carpet BEFORE you are cleared to load on. The moment the previous band clears, you should be rolling in full stacks.

2. Loom Your Cables

If you have 3 keyboards, don't run 6 individual cables. Loom them together with tape or a snake. A "looms" approach turns 20 connections into 1 drop. Label both ends of every cable clearly (e.g., "Keys L", "Keys R").

3. The "Line Check" Philosophy

You likely won't get a full soundcheck. You get a line check. This is not the time to rehearse a chorus. It is: "Kick?" *Thump Thump*. "Good." "Snare?" *Crack Crack*. "Good." Be ruthless. If you hear it in the wedge, move on immediately. Silence is speed.

4. Respect the Patch Tech

There is usually a specific Festival Patch Tech on stage. Do not plug into the stage box yourself unless asked. Hand them your tails and say "Kick, Snare, Hat". Let them manage their box. They are your best friend if you treat them well.