Why food can make or break an event
Visitors remember long queues and cold food. Good traders, in the right places, keep people happy and on site for longer. A fish and chip van is often one of the busiest pitches at a fête or show, because almost everyone likes it.
How many traders?
Think about your expected visitors, how long they stay and the times people will eat. Choose a mix that covers different tastes and diets, and avoid two traders selling the same thing next to each other.
Pitches
- Level, firm ground the vehicle can reach, even after rain
- Room in front of the hatch for a queue that doesn’t block walkways
- Distance from bouncy castles, generators and the main stage speakers
- Easy vehicle access before the gates open and after they close
Power and water
Ask each trader what they need. Some are self-contained; others want a power hook-up or water. If you supply generators, tell traders the arrangements and any cost.
Paperwork to ask for
Organisers commonly ask food traders for public liability insurance, food business registration with their local council, their food hygiene rating, gas safety documents for LPG appliances, and a risk assessment. Your local council’s events team or environmental health team can tell you what they expect.
Pitch fees and payment
Traders who sell to the public often pay a pitch fee or a percentage of takings. For small events where takings may be low, a trader may ask for a guaranteed minimum instead. Agree it in writing.
Crew and volunteer food
Volunteers and crew need feeding too. Many traders will serve them at a set time, paid for by the organiser, alongside public trading.
Waste
Agree who provides bins and who removes waste and used cooking oil. Traders should take their own oil away.
Timing the day
Visitors eat at predictable times: late morning, lunchtime and early evening. Make sure traders know your opening hours and when the busiest times are likely to be. A trader who knows the crowd is coming at 12:30 will be ready.
After the event
Ask traders for feedback: busy times, problems with the pitch, anything that would help next year. Good traders are worth keeping, so book them early for next year if it went well.
Quick answers
Can a fish and chip van trade at our fête?
Send the date and pitch details and ask.
Should traders pay a pitch fee?
It’s common for public trading. Small events may agree a minimum instead.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.