How to programme and budget your own music event

Love music and live events, but unsure how to make them happen?

Maybe you want to create the next Boiler Room or start a series that brings your friends and local music community together. This project will show you how to programme gigs and festivals – from booking artists and managing budgets to finding the perfect venue and building an event your audience will love.

By the end, you’ll have designed your own event with an imaginary budget and received real industry feedback to help bring your ideas to life.

What do I get by taking part?

• Hands-on experience in event planning and programming
• A step-by-step guide to building and managing budgets for gigs and festivals
• Practical insight into how agents, managers, and venues work
• A chance to collaborate with other young creatives and share ideas

Who is teaching the project?

You’ll be learning directly from the event producer of Dialled In, Ahsan-Elahi Shujaat. Ahsan is one of the UK’s most exciting platforms celebrating South Asian artistry and community through music and culture. With real-world experience in programming multi-stage festivals and live events, they’ll share practical tips, stories, and strategies from behind the scenes.

Do I need any particular skills or experience to take part?

This project is open to anyone aged 18 – 25 with a passion for music and live events. Whether you’re completely new or already experimenting with your own ideas, this is your space to learn, collaborate, and create an event plan from scratch.

I’M NOT SURE I CAN AFFORD TO TAKE PART…

If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support. If you are using a bursary to pay for the project, please ensure you arrange this with the Advice Base with plenty of time before the start of the project.

I HAVE ADDITIONAL NEEDS. WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?

We are committed to supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse young people, those with medical conditions, access requirements or any lived experience that may require adaptation, support or sensitivity. If there is anything you would like to let us (our youth workers, tutors or staff) know that will support your enjoyment and access, you can do so by emailing us at advicebase@roundhouse.org.uk, and we will contact you to discuss further how to best support your engagement.