Apply to trade
Thank you for your interest in trading at Zimfest 2026.
Applications to trade or exhibit at Zimfest 2026 open on Tuesday 11 February 2026.
The deadline to apply is Monday 30 June 2026 at 4:00 PM.
Zimfest 2026 will take place on Saturday 25 July 2026 at Delapré Abbey, Northampton.
⚠️ Please note: Zimfest is not obliged to accept any or all applications submitted. Applications are assessed based on merit, balance of trade and catering, fairness, avoidance of duplication, and to ensure a varied and exciting experience for the public. Applications are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application Process
Full details of each trading category, including all fees and charges, can be found below.
If you need to update your supporting documents, you may log in and amend your application at any time up until the deadline.
👉 Please do not email documents - all uploads must be completed via the application portal.
Before contacting us, please ensure you have read our Frequently Asked Questions.
For further enquiries, contact:
📧 traders@zimfestlive.com
Good luck from the Zimfest Live Team!
This application is open to any person or business that trades in non-food items. This also applies to confectionery and cake traders.
Required Documentation
Applications will not be accepted without all of the following documentation:
- Public Liability Insurance (£5 million minimum)
- Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS) for stall setup
- Full product list and pricing
- Photographs of stall and setup
- PAT certification (if using electrical equipment)
Important Reminder:
If you do not already have Public Liability Insurance and/or Employer’s Liability Insurance, you can obtain instant annual or one-day cover here http://bit.ly/Zimfest
Employer’s Liability Insurance is mandatory if anyone is working on or supporting your stall.
This application is for hot food caterers and ice-cream vendors.
Required Documentation
Applications will not be accepted without all of the following documentation:
- Public Liability Insurance (£5 million minimum)
- Food Hygiene Rating Certificate (rating of 4 or higher)
Mandatory (if applicable)
- Food Safety Certificates for all staff (issued within the last 3 years)
- Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS)
- Full menu and price list
- Photographs of your stall and set up
- Gas Safe Register Certificate (must be no more than 12 months old)
- PAT Certification (if using electrical appliances)
Trading Pitches
- Market Trader Pitch (3m x 3m): £225
(Includes pitch, 2 chairs & trestle table) - Standard Pitch (3m x 3m): £495
(Includes gazebo, 2 chairs & trestle table)
Late Applications (after 30 June 2026):
- Market Trader Pitch: £295
- Standard Pitch: £595
Catering Pitches
- Food Pitch (3m x 3m): £1,000
(Includes power on Friday and Saturday – applications before 30 June 2026) - Late Application: £1,250
Power Charges
(For non-food traders only)
- Single 13amp socket: £187
- Twin 13amp socket: £209
- Ceeform 16amp connection: £258
- Ceeform 32amp connection: £288