Hey there, music lovers! If you’re a music festival organizer or just someone who’s been tasked to reveal the lineup of an upcoming festival, this blog is for you! You may think that announcing a lineup is simply listing the performers, but there’s actually more to it than that. To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the dos and donts of announcing a music festival lineup based on the expert opinions of seasoned festival organizers. Let’s dive in!

DO: Create Hype 🤘

Before the actual announcement, it’s important to build up anticipation and excitement. This will make the actual lineup reveal more impactful and create more buzz around the festival. Use social media, teaser videos, and posters to get people talking about the festival before the lineup announcement. This will also give you a chance to tease some of the performers without giving too much away.

A crowd of people excitedly cheering with a stage in the background

DONT: Oversell 🤥

While building hype is important, it’s also essential to not oversell the festival or the lineup. Don’t make outrageous claims or guarantees that you can’t deliver. Be realistic about what the festival can offer and be truthful about the lineup. Overselling can lead to disappointment and unhappy festival-goers.

📝 TIP: Focus on the strengths of the festival and the unique experience it can offer. Don’t over-promise and under-deliver.

DO: Timing is Everything 🕒

The timing of the announcement can make or break the buzz around a festival. If you announce the lineup too early, people may forget about it by the time the festival comes around. If you announce too late, people may have already made plans for that weekend. The sweet spot is typically around three to six months before the festival date.

A clock with festival-goers in the background eagerly waiting for the lineup announcement

DONT: Announce Incomplete Lineups 🤷‍♂️

While it can be tempting to announce a partial lineup to build anticipation, it’s important to not announce an incomplete lineup. People may assume that the festival isn’t fully planned or that there aren’t enough performers yet. Wait until the lineup is complete before announcing it to avoid confusion and disappointment.

📝 TIP: If you’re planning on adding more performers or surprise guests, be upfront about it in the announcement.

DO: Highlight Diversity 🌈

Music festivals are a celebration of all types of music, so it’s important to highlight diversity in the lineup. Showcase artists from different genres, backgrounds, and cultures to make the festival as inclusive and welcoming as possible. This also allows attendees to discover new types of music they may not have heard before.

A group of performers from different musical genres standing together on stage

DONT: Be Narrow-Minded 🧐

While it’s important to highlight diversity, it’s also important to not be narrow-minded when selecting performers. Don’t simply choose performers based on popularity or current trends. Look for talented artists who can offer unique experiences for festival-goers. Remember that not everyone has the same taste in music, so try to cater to a wide range of preferences.

📝 TIP: Listen to recommendations from others and keep an open mind when considering performers.

DO: Surprise and Delight 🎁

Surprising festival-goers with special guests or unexpected performances can create unforgettable experiences and make the festival even more memorable. It can also generate social media buzz and gain attention from those who may not have originally planned on attending the festival.

A group of surprised festival-goers cheering and taking photos of a surprise performance on stage

DONT: Neglect Logistics 💼

While the lineup is important, don’t forget about the logistics. Make sure there are enough facilities, security, and accommodations to handle the expected number of attendees. Neglecting logistics can lead to chaos and ruined experiences for festival-goers.

📝 TIP: Consider hiring a professional festival planning and logistics team to ensure a smooth and successful event.

And that’s it for our dos and donts of announcing a music festival lineup! We hope this guide has been helpful and informative. Remember, a successful music festival is more than just the lineup. It’s about the experience and the memories that attendees will take away with them. Good luck and happy festival planning! 🎉🎵

A happy group of festival-goers dancing and enjoying the music with the festival stage in the background