The Dispatch
Guides, field notes and unfiltered opinions for the people who put on live events, and the fans who turn up.
All guides
1,023 guidesHow Venue Owners Make Money
An honest look at the revenue streams and financial pressures facing UK venue owners…
How to Get to the Front at a Standing Gig
Tried and tested strategies for getting close to the stage at standing gigs, with advice on timing, positioning, and gig etiquette.
How to Build a Pre-Launch Hype Campaign for Events
Learn how to build anticipation and drive ticket sales before your event goes on sale. Covers teaser campaigns, waitlists, countdowns, and early access strategies.
How to Get a Premises Licence for Your Event
Step-by-step guide to applying for a premises licence for your event in England and Wales, covering costs, timelines, and the application process.
Guide to Understanding Booking Fees and Surcharges
A clear breakdown of the booking fees, service charges, and surcharges you encounter when buying event tickets, and what they actually pay for.
Weather Contingency Planning for Outdoor Events
How to plan for bad weather at outdoor events.
How to Get a Refund for a Postponed Event
When an event is rescheduled rather than cancelled, your refund rights become less clear.
Guide to Early Bird Ticket Pricing Strategies
How to use early bird pricing to drive early ticket sales, build momentum, and create urgency for your events.
Guide to Sound and Production for Small Events
A practical guide to sound and production for small events, covering PA systems, stage setup, technical riders…
Cash Flow Management for Event Organisers
A practical guide to managing cash flow as an event organiser, covering timing of income and expenses, payment terms…
The Economics of Running a Small Music Venue
A practical look at the financial realities of operating a small music venue in the UK, covering income streams, cost pressures…
Guide to Running a Village Fete or Summer Fair
Everything you need to know about organising a village fete or summer fair, from committee planning and stall layout to insurance, licences…
