If the town is any in Ireland other than Dublin, then a venue for 300 people is a *large* venue. As for 50/50 split - there's no way a band who have to supply the PA will go for that. The Cobblestone in Dublin has it's own PA and splits the profits 20 venue:80 band. It is an exceptionly music friendly place, but 50/50 just won't cut it, I think, esp when it's likely that'll it'll often be 50/50 of nothing after the venue costs are accounted for. There's feck all money in small gigs y'know... (50/50 if you supply the PA wouldn't be so bad, so long as you can guarantee some expenses and refreshments). And if you can actually find a band with it's own PA system suitable for a 300 capacity venue you'd be doing very well indeed. That said, the more independent promoters and small/medium sized venues out there the better. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice. What I have gathered so far is that it's certainly not as easy as I thought it would be, but then.....what is!!

You'll probably find that hiring a simple vocal PA won't be too expensive. Most bands will have their own amps and drumkit, but not mics, mixing desk, etc, for vocals. If you can source a decent drumkit locally it makes life a lot easier for the travelling musician (they're *big*, y'know?) It might be a good idea to start by making good friends with local musos who can lend you equipment and technical advice. Good luck.

Don't wanna put you off or anything, but I reckon you'll need more than a simple vocal PA for a place that holds 300 people