What visitors expect
Tea and cakes, ice cream and something hot. A good hot-food trader is often the busiest stall at a fête, and it brings people who might otherwise stay at home.
Choosing a hot-food trader
A fish and chip van is a popular choice because nearly everyone likes it and it cooks to order. Ask about the pitch it needs, any power or water, and how it charges: a pitch fee, a share of takings or a guaranteed minimum.
Permissions
If the fête is on a village green, playing field or churchyard, check who owns the land and whether vehicles are allowed. Village greens have special protection. Ask the parish council or landowner well before the day.
Where to put the van
Near the entrance or the tea tent works well, with a firm route in and room for a queue. Keep it away from the dog show ring and children’s rides.
Volunteers
A self-sufficient trader that needs little help is a gift to a volunteer committee. Ask what the trader needs from you on the day, and who will meet them.
Weather
Agree a wet-weather pitch on hard standing in case the green is soft.
Getting the pitch right
Agree the pitch size with the trader, mark it out before the day and make sure the van can reach it before visitors arrive. Keep it away from the dog show ring, children’s rides and the main stage speakers, and away from the tea tent’s own queue.
Paperwork
Committees often ask traders for insurance details and food business registration. Ask for these when you book, and keep copies with the fête’s other paperwork.
After the fête
Ask the trader how it went: busy times, anything that would help next year, and whether they’d come back. Book next year’s date early if it went well.
Working with the tea tent
The tea tent and the cake stall are the heart of most fêtes. A hot-food van complements them rather than competing: people buy fish and chips for lunch and come back for tea and cake later.
Quick answers
Can a chip van park on the village green?
Only with the landowner’s permission, and if the ground is firm.
How do traders charge at fêtes?
Usually a pitch fee or a share of takings, sometimes a minimum.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.