Your Guide to Mobile Catering at Events
From street food vans to festival catering units — find pitch opportunities at festivals and events across the UK, learn what you need to get started, and apply directly to organisers.
Mobile Catering at Events: A Practical Guide
Everything you need to know before you apply for your first pitch
- •Food business registration with your local council (free, required)
- •Food hygiene rating of 3 or above recommended by most organisers
- •Street trading licence if operating on public land
- •Personal Licence if selling alcohol alongside food
- •Gas safety certificate (CORGI/Gas Safe) for LPG equipment
- •Electrical safety (PAT testing) for powered equipment
- •Public liability insurance (minimum £5m, many events require £10m)
- •Product liability insurance to cover food sold
- •Employers' liability if you have staff
- •Vehicle insurance covering commercial use / catering at events
- •Equipment cover for your unit, generators, and kit
- •Suitable vehicle or trailer with adequate power supply
- •Commercial-grade cooking equipment rated for your menu
- •Adequate refrigeration for perishable ingredients
- •Fresh and waste water tanks (many sites have no mains hook-up)
- •Fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the unit
- •Hand-washing facilities with soap and paper towels
- •Flat fee – a fixed amount paid upfront regardless of takings
- •Commission – a percentage of your gross turnover (typically 15–25%)
- •Hybrid – a lower flat fee plus a smaller commission percentage
- •Some events charge a deposit refundable on good conduct / attendance
- •Electricity hook-up may be included or charged separately
- •Always read the contract carefully before signing
- •Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate for all food handlers
- •Written food safety management system (Safer Food Better Business)
- •Temperature logs for cooking, chilling, and storage
- •Allergen information displayed clearly for all menu items
- •Traceability records for ingredients used at each event
- •Prepare a concise pitch pack: photos, menu, pricing, social proof
- •Apply early – popular events fill trader spaces months in advance
- •Be specific about your cuisine and USP to stand out
- •Have your certificates and insurance documents ready to upload
- •Follow up politely if you haven't heard back within 2–3 weeks
- •Ask about exclusivity zones so you're not placed next to competitors
Pitch Opportunities
Browse open applications from event organisers looking for food traders
10 opportunities found
Upfest is Europe's largest street art festival. Food traders wanted to serve the thousands of visitors who come to see incredible street art across Bristol.
Love Saves The Day is Bristol's biggest dance music festival. We need diverse food traders to keep our dancers fueled throughout the weekend.
Join us at Boardmasters in Newquay! We're looking for quality food traders to provide diverse culinary experiences for our festival-goers. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your food business at one of Cornwall's premier surf and music festivals.
The Cheltenham Literature Festival attracts book lovers from across the UK. We're seeking quality food and beverage traders to complement our literary program.
In Cider Festival in Weston-Super-Mare celebrates the best of cider. We're looking for food traders whose offerings pair perfectly with craft cider.
Bristol Light Festival illuminates the city with spectacular light installations. Food traders needed to serve visitors exploring the light trail.
Bristol Folk Festival celebrates traditional and contemporary folk music. We're looking for food traders to serve our folk-loving audience.
Bristol Sounds brings major artists to Lloyds Amphitheatre. Food traders needed for this week-long series of concerts featuring top international acts.
2000 Trees Festival in Cheltenham is seeking food traders for our indie and alternative music festival. Perfect for vendors who love the festival vibe and want to serve an enthusiastic crowd.
Arctangent is a boutique math-rock and post-rock festival in Bristol. We're looking for creative food traders who can cater to our discerning music-loving audience.