Looking to run a stall at the Appleby Horse Fair? Then our How To Apply For Business Stall At Appleby Horse Fair In 2024 Guide will help you.
Appleby Horse Fair holds a special place in the hearts of horse enthusiasts and travelers alike. This annual event, steeped in tradition and culture, offers a unique opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services. If you’re considering applying for a business stall at Appleby Horse Fair in 2024, it’s essential to understand the process and requirements involved to make the most of this opportunity.
Introduction to Appleby Horse Fair
Appleby Horse Fair is an ancient gathering that dates back to medieval times. Held annually in the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria, England, it attracts thousands of Gypsies, travelers, and horse traders from across the UK and beyond. The fair typically takes place in early June and lasts for a week, culminating in a weekend of festivities and horse trading.
Understanding the Process of Applying for a Business Stall
To apply for a business stall at Appleby Horse Fair, you must meet certain eligibility criteria set by the organizers. These criteria often include having a legitimate business registered with relevant authorities and complying with health and safety regulations. The application process typically involves submitting an application form along with any required documentation and fees within the specified deadline.
Trade Stalls on the Market Fields
This is privately owned land, and anyone wishing to have a trade stand, stall, or vehicle on the market fields should contact the landowners:
Mr & Mrs J Winter,
Clickham Farm,
Croft Ends,
Appleby-in-Westmorland,
CA16 6JN.
Telephone: 017683 51456.
A pre-booking system exists for all food traders selling from the market fields, and more information on this is set out below. There is no booking system for non-food traders, but you are advised to contact Mr & Mrs Winter regarding pitch availability and prices.
You MUST obtain a permit to have a food stall before arrival. Any food trader arriving at the market without a permit will not be allowed entry onto the market fields. To obtain a food trader permit you must complete and submit an application form to Mr & Mrs Winter by 20 March each year at the latest.
If you attended the previous year’s Fair you will have been issued with an application form. If you do not have, or have lost your application form, these can be obtained from the Westmorland & Furness Council, please contact the Food, Health and Safety Team, telephone at 01768 212491 or Email env.health@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk. Once completed your application form should be sent to Mr & Mrs Winter at the above address, prior to the closing date.
Your application will be checked by Westmorland & Furness Council’s Food Safety Officers, this will include taking into account your previous history of compliance with food hygiene and safety legislation. As part of the application process, every food business operator will have to provide evidence that his / her business is registered under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 with their local council.
If your application is approved, your permit will be issued by Mr & Mrs Winter approximately 4 – 6 weeks before the Fair, together with an information pack containing advice about food safety, fire safety, and trading standards requirements. The number of food operator permits will be strictly limited. No application will be accepted after the closing date and submitting an application does not guarantee you will obtain a permit.
All food vehicles and stalls operating during the Fair are inspected by Westmorland & Furness Council’s Environmental Health Officers. Operators are required to comply with the Food Safety & Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 and should be registered under these Regulations with their local council.
All traders meeting the required standard are issued with a sticker which indicates who has inspected the vehicle or stall and when. Instances of non compliance will be dealt with either by removal of the trader off the site or by informal or formal action, depending on the seriousness of the situation, under the above Regulations or Food Safety Act 1990.
Some examples of the food safety problems previously found at Appleby include:
- Dirty water containers
- Inadequate cleaning of work surfaces and equipment
- Inadequate separation of raw and cooked / ready-to-eat foods
- Lack of refrigeration facilities
- Not having sufficient ice blocks in cool boxes to keep food chilled
- Using ice blocks to keep food chilled but having no way of replacing the ice when it melts
- Leaving food out of the fridge too long
- Inadequate hand washing facilities and hand soap
- Inadequate hot water supply
- No overclothing eg apron / overall
- Not protecting unwrapped food from flies etc
- Lack of food supplier traceability – foods not labelled and not being able to identify where food has been obtained from
- Lack of suitable disinfectant/sanitiser to clean surfaces and equipment
Non-Food Traders
There is no pre-booking system in place for non-food traders
The Sale of BB Guns
The sale of BB Guns at the Fair is prohibited and anyone found selling them will be ejected from the market fields and may be refused entry at future fairs.
Necessary Documentation and Requirements
Before applying for a stall, ensure you have all the necessary documentation in place. This may include proof of business registration, liability insurance, and any permits required by local authorities. It’s essential to review the specific requirements outlined by the fair organizers to avoid any delays or complications in the application process.
Planning Your Stall Setup
Once your stall application is approved, it’s time to start planning your setup. Consider factors such as the layout of your stall, signage, and display fixtures to attract visitors. Make sure your stall is visually appealing and showcases your products or services effectively to entice potential customers.
Health and Safety Regulations
Compliance with health and safety regulations is paramount when operating a stall at Appleby Horse Fair. Ensure your stall meets all safety standards and regulations, including fire safety measures and emergency procedures. Regular inspections may be conducted during the fair to ensure all stalls comply with these regulations.
Marketing and Promotion Strategies
To stand out from the crowd, invest in marketing and promotion strategies to attract visitors to your stall. Utilize social media platforms, local advertising, and promotional offers to generate interest and drive foot traffic to your stall. Engage with fair attendees and encourage them to visit your stall through interactive demonstrations or special promotions.
Customer Engagement Techniques
Once visitors are at your stall, focus on engaging them and providing a memorable experience. Offer demonstrations, samples, or interactive activities to capture their interest and encourage them to learn more about your products or services. Providing exceptional customer service and personalized attention can also help build rapport and loyalty with potential customers.
Financial Considerations
Before setting up your stall, carefully consider the financial aspects involved, including stall fees, inventory costs, and other expenses. Create a budget to ensure you can cover all expenses and potentially turn a profit during the fair. Consider accepting various payment methods to accommodate different customer preferences and maximize sales opportunities.
Customer Feedback and Satisfaction
Throughout the fair, solicit feedback from customers to gauge their satisfaction with your stall and offerings. Address any concerns or issues promptly to ensure a positive experience for all visitors. Use feedback to identify areas for improvement and make adjustments as needed to enhance the customer experience.
Post-Event Evaluation and Reflection
After the fair concludes, take the time to evaluate your stall’s performance and reflect on your overall experience. Assess factors such as sales figures, customer feedback, and return on investment to determine the success of your participation. Identify any lessons learned or areas for improvement to inform your strategy for future events.
Conclusion
Applying for a business stall at Appleby Horse Fair offers a unique opportunity to showcase your products or services to a diverse audience of horse enthusiasts and travellers.
By understanding the application process, meeting the necessary requirements, and implementing effective marketing and customer engagement strategies, you can maximise your chances of success at this iconic event.
My best advice for anyone wishing to get a stall at Appleby Horse Fair this year is to get your applications in early or risk missing out on getting your stall on the field.
FAQs
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How much does it cost to apply for a stall at Appleby Horse Fair?
The cost of applying for a stall varies depending on factors such as the size of the stall and the type of business. Ask the land owner.
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What types of businesses are eligible to apply for a stall?
Most legitimate businesses are eligible to apply for a stall at Appleby Horse Fair. However, certain restrictions may apply, so it’s essential to review the eligibility criteria outlined by the organisers. Please ask the land owner this question.
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How are stalls allocated to applicants?
Stall allocation is based on various factors, including the type of business, stall size requested, and previous participation in the fair. The decision-making process is competitive, so ensure your application is complete and provides all necessary information.
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Are there any restrictions on the products or services that can be sold at the fair?
The sale of BB guns is prohibited by trade sellers. Additionally, organisers may prohibit the sale of certain items deemed inappropriate or unsafe. Seek advice from council or land owners.
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What should I do if I encounter any issues during the fair?
If you encounter any issues or concerns during the fair, don’t hesitate to reach out to the landowner. They are there to help ensure a smooth and successful experience for all traders.
