Why Festival Vending Is Worth Exploring
Why is becoming a vendor at festivals a popular choice for small businesses? Because festivals offer unmatched exposure, footfall, and sales potential in just a few days. Whether you run a food truck, coffee cart, or artisanal goods stall, festivals allow small businesses to reach new customers and generate meaningful revenue - all while building brand recognition in vibrant, high-energy settings.
From music and food festivals to craft and wellness weekends, the UK is home to hundreds of events that welcome vendors from every sector.
Key Factors That Influence Vendor Costs
Understanding how much it costs to be a vendor at a festival means looking at more than just pitch fees. Here’s what really impacts your budget:
🔥 Size and Popularity of the Event
Top-tier music festivals (like Glastonbury or Download) charge premium rates for vendor pitches - often £3,000-£10,000+. Smaller local festivals may only charge £300-£800. The more established the event, the higher the cost - but also the footfall.
🪪 Licensing and Permits
Most festivals require public liability insurance, food hygiene certification, and potentially an alcohol or trading licence. Costs can range from £50-£300, depending on your product and local council rules.
⚡ Access to Utilities (Electricity, Water)
If not included in your pitch, expect to pay extra for power access, water access, or waste disposal. Power alone can cost £100-£300, depending on your setup.
📍 Booth Size and Location
Prime spots near main stages or high-traffic areas come at a premium. A 3x3m stall on the outskirts might be half the price of a central 6x6m pitch.
🧀 Type of Stall or Product
Food and drink vendors typically pay higher fees than craft or wellness traders due to higher profit potential and utility demands.
Typical Vendor Fees by Festival Type
Festival Type Typical Pitch Cost
Local Community Event £300–£800
Food and Drink Festival £800–£1,500
Regional Music Festival £1,500–£3,500
Major National Festival £3,000–£10,000+
Larger events often require advance payment months before the event. Review their vendor pack carefully - some include power, water, or staff passes; others do not. Check out the best festivals in August to plan ahead for next season.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Beyond pitch fees and permits, several expenses can catch vendors off guard:
Staffing: £10-£15/hour per staff member for 2-3 days = £500-£1,200
Travel and Fuel: Varies by location, but £100-£300 is typical
Accommodation: If camping isn’t included, local stays can add £200+
POS System Hire: £50-£300 depending on setup and functionality
Insurance: Public liability or stock cover, ~£50-£150
💡 Don’t overlook your payment setup. A slow or unreliable till can lead to queues, lost sales, and frustrated customers. Make sure you have a robust festival POS system that works offline with a quick transaction speed.
Tips for First-Time Festival Vendors
Start Small: Test your concept at a local weekend market before committing to a £5,000 music festival pitch.
Read the Vendor Pack: Every festival has different rules. Check what’s included and what’s extra.
Invest in Tech: Use a fast, offline-ready POS to serve more customers and get real-time insights.
Prepare for All Weather: Rain, heat, wind - your setup needs to survive it all.
Understand the Audience: Match your pricing, menu, and branding to the vibe of the festival.
Need help choosing the right till system for festivals? Explore our Complete Guide To Point Of Sale (POS) Systems.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does it cost to be a vendor at a festival? Realistically, expect to invest £1,000–£10,000+ depending on your offering, the event, and your setup. But with the right strategy, many vendors see 3-5x ROI over a single weekend - and build repeat customers for future events.
Your success comes down to preparation, speed of service, and having the right tech on your side.
Ready to Trade Smarter?
At NOQ, we power fast, reliable, offline-ready POS systems that help festival vendors serve more customers, shorten queues, and maximise profit - even in remote fields with no signal.
📞 Want expert advice or a custom POS package for your upcoming festival season? Contact us today.
