Mobile food trading is granted on an annual basis. All traders are required to submit a new application each calendar year.

Allocation of trading dates

Initial annual allocation

Following the application closing date, officers will review all applications received.

Where only one compliant application is received for a particular date, that trader will be allocated the date.

Date clashes

Where 2 or more traders request the same trading date, applications will be evaluated using the Mobile Food Traders Scoring Matrix.

Typical evaluation criteria may include:

Criteria	Weighting
Quality and presentation of offer	30%
Menu diversity and customer appeal	25%
Previous performance and compliance	20%
Sustainability and environmental practices	15%
Operational readiness	10%

Officers will score applications independently against the published criteria.

The highest scoring compliant application will be allocated the dates requested.

Evaluation records and scores will be retained to demonstrate fair decision-making.

How to apply

You can apply online.

You will need to provide:

• business name and contact details
• a description of your food offering
• a sample menu
• proposed trading dates
• vehicle or unit specifications
• food yygiene rating details
• public liability insurance certificate
• risk assessment
• health and safety information
• photos of your trading unit

How to book and pay

You can make your bookings from the start of each year. Our pitches are open all year (weather-permitting), apart from Christmas Day.

We will usually invoice you for payment, but for last-minute bookings payment must be made by card on the phone. We will contact you in these cases.

If bookings are cancelled with more than 4 weeks’ notice and you have already paid then we will refund your money less a 50% administration fee. Bookings cancelled with less than 4 weeks’ notice will not be entitled to a refund.

Prices

Lower Gardens guide prices

The seasonal pitch prices (including electricity) are per pitch, per day excluding VAT:

• low tariff (Monday to Friday): £57 + VAT
• low tariff (weekends): £68 + VAT
• medium tariff: £89 + VAT
• high tariff: £132 + VAT
• premium tariff: £142 + VAT

These prices are for a guideline only, our tariff calendar contains more detail and exact prices for your dates will be confirmed with your booking.

All charges are subject to VAT.

Prices during major events

For major events, such as Christmas Tree Wonderland, the Mobile Food Trader Opportunity Procedure will apply, and opportunities will be published on the link.