IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Thank you for your interest in trading at the Chesterfield Christmas Market 2026, organised by Dowse Events in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council.

The event will take place on:

• Friday 20th November 2026 – 10am to 6pm
• Saturday 21st November 2026 – 10am to 6pm
• Sunday 22nd November 2026 – 11am to 7pm

 

The market will coincide with the hugely popular Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch-On celebrations on Sunday and is expected to attract in excess of 100,000 visitors across the three days.

 

PAYMENT INFORMATION

This event offers the option to pay a 25% deposit upon application approval.

If you would like to use the deposit scheme, please ensure you select the deposit option during checkout. Otherwise, the full balance will become payable once your application has been approved.

Please note:

• No payment will be processed unless your application is approved.
• Remaining balances will automatically be collected 8 weeks prior to the event using the payment method provided at checkout.

 

MARKET / CRAFT / GIFT / BUSINESS TRADERS

(Including Alcohol Off-Sales – Not Street Food or Bars)

We are looking for a high-quality selection of independent retailers, artisan makers, festive gift traders and specialist food and drink producers.

Option 1 – Traditional Market Stall Hire

Approximately 60 brand-new wooden market stalls are available to hire.

Each stall is approximately 3m wide and includes:

• Roof covering
• Lighting
• Trading table

 

Option 2 – 3m x 3m Own Gazebo Pitch

Suitable for traders supplying their own gazebo or branded setup.

For larger setups, additional pitch spaces may be booked subject to approval and availability.

Option 3 – 4.5m x 3m Own Gazebo Pitch

Suitable for traders supplying their own gazebo or branded setup.

For larger setups, additional pitch spaces may be booked subject to approval and availability.

Option 4 - “Sunday Only” Market Stall Hire

There are a very limited number of market stalls that are available for Sunday only as this is the Christmas Light Switch On day.

STREET FOOD TRADERS

(Traders selling food or drink intended for immediate consumption)

Our definition of street food includes any food or drink sold for consumption on-site rather than sealed products intended to be consumed at home.

Street food pitches are extremely limited and we are specifically looking for unique, high-quality concepts that complement the festive atmosphere of the event.

Option 5 – 3m x 3m Street Food Pitch

Own Gazebo/Trailer required.

Option 6 – 6m x 3m Street Food Pitch

Own Gazebo/Trailer required.

To support our sustainability goals, all food and drink must be served using recyclable, compostable or biodegradable packaging.

The following are strictly prohibited:

• Single-use plastics
• Polystyrene containers

Street food traders must also provide a suitable customer waste bin outside their stall.

 

CHARITY STALLS

(Registered Charities Only)

A limited number of charity pitches are available for registered charities.

Option 7 – 3m x 3m Charity Pitch

(Charity’s own gazebo required)

Proof of charity registration must be supplied as part of the application process.

 

ELECTRICITY

Electricity is available in selected areas of the event site only and is subject to availability.

If you require electricity, this must be requested and paid for at the time of booking. Late requests cannot be guaranteed.

All electrical equipment and power requirements must be declared during the application process. Only PAT tested equipment approved by the organisers may be connected to the event power supply.

If you require an electricity connection please send your requirements by email to: info@­dowseevents.­co.­uk.

 

ALCOHOL TRADERS (OFF-SALES ONLY)

All alcohol traders must obtain the appropriate TENs (Temporary Event Notice) or licensing permissions required to trade at the event.

It is the trader’s responsibility to obtain all necessary licensing in advance of the event.

Alcohol traders must:

• Be over 18 years of age
• Hold any required personal licence
• Operate a strict Challenge 25 policy
• Comply with all licensing objectives

All alcohol products must be sold in sealed containers intended for home consumption only.

Small tasting samples may be offered, but these must be served using recyclable, biodegradable or compostable cups. Single-use plastics are not permitted.

TEN application forms can be found at: https://­www.­chesterfield.­gov.­uk/­business-and-economic-growth/­licensing-and-regulation/­alcohol-entertainment-and-late-night-refreshments-licensing-act-2003­/temporary-event-notice/

 

 

FESTIVE PRESENTATION

The Chesterfield Christmas Market is designed to create a magical festive experience for visitors and therefore all traders are expected to decorate and dress their stalls appropriately.

We strongly encourage traders to include festive decorations such as:

• Garland
• Wreaths
• Christmas lighting
• Festive signage
• Seasonal displays

Traders and staff are also encouraged to dress festively throughout the event.

Cash prizes may be awarded for the best dressed stalls.

 

WASTE & RECYCLING

All traders are responsible for removing their own waste and recycling from site at the end of each trading day.

Commercial waste must not be disposed of in public bins.

Any trader found using public bins for trade waste may be charged for waste removal and may not be considered for future events.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are managed through the Event Owl platform.

Once your application has been submitted:

• You will receive an automatic confirmation email
• The Dowse Events team will review your application
• Successful applicants will receive an approval email and payment confirmation

If your application is unsuccessful:

• You will receive notification via Event Owl
• No payment will be taken
• Your payment details will be automatically deleted

Please ensure all information provided on your application is accurate before submission, as changes may not be possible afterwards.

Failure to pay invoices or balances by the due dates may result in your pitch being released to another trader.

 

EVENT INFORMATION & SET UP

Final event information, including set-up instructions, access times and site information, will be emailed to traders shortly before the event.

If you have not received this information by the Wednesday prior to the event, please check your spam/junk folder before contacting Dowse Events.

For any questions, please contact: