Fete entertainment

Fete Entertainment

Fetes offer a heap of ways to entertain visitors. In this section, we’ll take a look at Amusement Rides and On-Stage Entertainment. Stalls, including sideshow alley, have their own section later on :)

Amusement rides

From inflatable jumping castles and merry-go-rounds to climbing walls, dodgem cars and wave swingers, amusement rides of all kinds are a HUGE drawcard. They will also probably be your biggest expense, so choose wisely.

Amusement rides are transported on semi-trailers, so not only do the rides take up plenty of space, but their vehicles need special access. Get a company rep to visit your site in the early planning phase to ensure your location has what they need.

If your space has artificial grass (or no grass!), you may be limited in your choice of rides.

Your fete file will detail operators and rides that have worked in the past. Some amusement rides are so popular that they need to be booked at least a year in advance. Ask operators what rides are new and popular, and consider what combinations of rides and carnival games (such as Laughing Clowns or Target Shooting) work well together.

If you’re starting from scratch, here are some key considerations:

• Consider your market. For primary school fetes, most joyriders are likely to be students (aged up to 11 or 12).
• Choose a mix of rides and games for different age groups (and fear levels).
• Be mindful of height restrictions. They can vary from 1 metre to 1.3 metres minimum.
• Don’t forget toddlers. They may be tag-alongs but they need entertaining (and there’s money in it for you if you plan your event well).
• Talk to a number of amusement operators before committing. Price alone is not the only consideration. You want to be sure the supplier is reputable, has a solid safety record, provides professional service (including hiring appropriate staff) and is fully insured. Ask for a list of events they’ve attended and see them in action.
• For small schools or first-timers, you might not be ready to commit to large rides like roller coasters and spinning rides. Instead, consider inflatable bouncy castles or slides, Sumo suits, dunk tanks, bungee trampolines or activity buses.
• Pre-sell ride bands leading up to your fete. Pricing will depend on the number of rides at your event. Ask around local schools to compare. Offer a discounted rate for early orders and a higher rate on the day. Hand out receipts instead of bands in advance, and set up tables (sorted alphabetically) on the day to swap receipts for wristbands. This avoids lost bands and the risk of duplicates being used.

Outright hire or percentage?

Most amusement ride operators offer two payment options: outright hire or a percentage split.

Outright hire means you pay a set fee and keep all proceeds from ticket sales. The catch is, you pay the fee regardless of whether the ride is popular or not. Many established fetes choose this option as it can be more profitable if the event is well attended.

Percentage of takings means you split the profit with the ride operator, usually keeping 20 to 25 percent of ticket sales. While this might mean less profit overall, it reduces the risk of losing money due to bad weather or lower-than-expected attendance. Often you’ll be offered more rides under this model than with outright hire.

On-stage entertainment

Your first priority is to appoint a Master of Ceremonies (MC). Choose one or two outgoing people who can work the crowd and keep energy levels high throughout the day.

The MC will need a good sound system. If the school’s gear isn’t powerful enough, arrange hire or sponsorship. Your messages need to be clear and audible across the entire site.

The MC will also need a comprehensive running sheet listing all stalls and scheduled performances. Throughout the day, they can promote upcoming acts, announce specials, thank sponsors, call out raffle updates and make important safety messages or lost child announcements. In between, play popular music to keep the vibe going.

Your entertainment program should start with students. Get every class to perform a song, dance or skit. This draws families in and keeps them at the event longer, increasing overall spend on rides and food.

Work closely with the school’s performing arts department to plan performances that are achievable and engaging. These give kids a confidence boost and give your event a real sense of community.

Also consider:

• Martial arts or gymnastics demonstrations
• Performances by the local fire brigade, police or dog obedience club
• A teacher vs student debate
• Comedy segments or flash mobs
• Cooking demos or local talent showcases
• Aerial acrobatics, cultural performances or themed entertainment

Link your entertainment to your fete’s theme. If you’re running an International Fair, invite a lion dance group or multicultural performers. For a Country Fair, a bush band and some line dancing go down a treat. A “Grease”-themed fete? Bring on the 50s rock and roll band!

Tip: Print your entertainment schedule in your flyer and display a clear timetable near the stage. Leave 30-minute gaps between acts to give guests time to wander, shop and eat.

Add extra spark with themed checklists

A simple but powerful way to keep visitors exploring all corners of your fete is to hand out or display themed checklists at the entry point. These are especially helpful for guests who aren’t familiar with the layout or who might otherwise miss out on certain stalls and attractions.

These checklists are tailored to different types of attendees and give each guest a “personalised” experience. You might choose to offer:

• Family Fun Checklist
• Kids Must-Do List
• Shopper’s Delight List
• Grandparents’ Trail
• The Bloke’s Guide to a Great Fete
• Eco-Warrior Checklist

Each list includes around 10 suggested activities or stops, and encourages people to visit a wide range of areas across the site.

You can:

• Print the checklists multiple to a page (pocket-sized), cut them up and hand them out at the gate
• Display the checklists on a poster so guests can take a photo
• Turn them into a fun challenge by offering a “passport prize” – visitors collect stamps or ticks and enter the draw to win a prize
• Match checklist items to coordinates on a large map near the entrance, and encourage visitors to take a photo of the map on their phone

This approach is low-cost, adds a personal touch, and can really boost engagement across the whole event – especially for stalls that aren’t in high-traffic areas.

Check out the example Fete Visitors Checklist Template in our Toolbox!

Fireworks

When there’s an overload of school fetes and carnivals, all with rides, showbags, sausage sizzles, cake stalls and live entertainment, it can be hard to stand out. That’s why you need a compelling drawcard – something that sets your event apart.

If you want more visitors through the gates, and you want them to spend their hard-earned money at your event, then you need to give them something they can’t see every weekend.

Enter: Fireworks.

While it’s illegal and dangerous to organise fireworks yourself, there are licensed suppliers across Australia who can handle it safely and professionally. If you’re considering fireworks, here’s what you need to know:

Budget:

Expect to spend at least $2,000 to $3,000 for a short display. Your budget will determine how long the show runs and the type of fireworks used. Set this early with your committee.

Type of display:

Small budgets might suit a laser show or basic fireworks. Larger budgets mean bigger shells and choreographed music shows. Think about your audience – louder, brighter shows may not suit younger children.

Time of day and duration:

Daytime or night-time shows have different requirements. If children are your main audience, schedule the display earlier in the evening and keep it under 10 minutes.

Location:

Suppliers need to know exactly where the fireworks will be launched from. Send them a site map or consider rooftop launches if permitted.

Insurance:

Your supplier will advise on insurance coverage needed. Don’t skip this – it’s essential for public safety and event approval.

A fireworks display can help you draw a crowd, keep them at the event longer, and end your fete with a memorable bang. Just make sure it’s safe, permitted, and promoted well in advance.