Planning your event

Where?

• Book your venue early! Make sure the venue is big (or small) enough for your needs. Think about whether you want to use your home, the local pub, your community centre, a church hall or even an RAF station. Many venue owners don't charge a hire fee for charity events, so don't forget to ask!
• Check that people will be able to reach your venue by public transport or that it has adequate parking facilities.

Who?

• Invite everyone you know from friends, family, work colleagues, members of your sportsclub, place of worship or community group. Sell tickets in advance so you have an idea of how many people to expect.

When?

• Choose a date that doesn't clash with public holidays, other local events (for example, school fetes) or popular sporting fixtures.
• Hold your fundraiser after the end of the month - people will be more likely to dig deeper when they've just been paid!

How?

• Spread the planning load by forming a team of helpers. Work out what needs to be done and give each person a specific job to do - many hands will make light work.
• Work out a realistic budget and stick to it! The overall success of your event will depend on how carefully you manage your costs.
• Remember that local shops and businesses might like to support your event by donating raffle prizes or by printing flyers and invitations - so don't be afriad to ask.
• If you are holding your event at an RAF station make sure you have obtained the correct permissions before you go ahead with it.