EVENTS – Disco tips
If pupils are coming to the disco straight from
lessons, allocate different
places for each class to leave their bags and jackets so they can find them more easily at the end.
Reserving a designated area for food and drinks with good
lighting is the best option. However, if you don’t have enough space, place benches along the walls and ask the DJ to announce that children who are eating or drinking should remain seated. This way, the dancefloor remains dry and safe for dancing and it’s easier to clear up at the end.
Ask your DJ to send the children over for drinks in year
groups or classes to prevent them from charging over all at once.
Anything can happen when you mix loud music, flashing lights, food and children. School DJ Darren Palmer has tips for a disco that the PTA can enjoy as much as the children
Using an online events platform for ticket sales will
help you control numbers and create an attendance list. You can also capture safeguarding information such as emergency contacts and details of allergies and special requirements. Otherwise you will need to collect this data on arrival.
If you’re short on helpers, include the extras in the ticket
price. This will save you a lot of time, as you won’t need to deal with floats, cash handling or stock taking. Your guests can enjoy the event without worrying about bringing cash or waiting in long queues to purchase popcorn or sweets.
Avoid overwhelming pupils with too many additional
activities. Stick to a few of your most popular activities, such as glow paint or temporary tattoos. Remember, the children are there to sing and dance, and a good DJ will keep them entertained.
Unlike adults, children won’t want to arrive fashionably late.
So it’s best to sell all the tickets in advance and get everyone inside as soon as they arrive. Position several volunteers on the door with a guest list each so children can’t roam off.
Before the disco starts, hold a brief meeting with your
volunteers. Explain what they’ll be doing, where things are stored and how to handle unexpected situations. If everything is well organised, volunteers are more likely to remain committed for years to come.
Team up new volunteers with more experienced people and
find a job for anyone who offers their services. Inexperienced volunteers are unlikely to offer to help again if you tell them there’s nothing to do.
Keep some cleaning supplies at the ready. Label the bins; the
children will be knowledgeable about recycling.
If you are holding a separate disco for the younger children,
don’t switch off all the lights. Keeping an area well lit will make them feel safer.
When the disco finishes, get the DJ to gather the children
and ask them to sit down in their respective classes. If possible, set up a system where parents and carers arrive by one door, pick up their children and exit a different way. Position someone on the exit door who can verify that children are leaving with someone they know.
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. An experienced
school disco DJ can provide lots of practical insights. Don’t be afraid to discuss any concerns or questions with your DJ before the event. I have seen some impressive best practices and I’m always happy to share my knowledge.
Darren Palmer, otherwise known as DJ80, runs Just
School Discos, the biggest independent school disco provider in the south of England. He has been a professional DJ for over 20 years. In 2022 he won the ProMobile DJ award.
justschooldiscos.com
School Fundraising AUTUMN 2024 29
Burger on the dancefloor
IMAGES: EMMA DEMIRKAN; VASYL YURLOV; KUZMIK_A; ZHEKA-BOSS/
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
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