Trader Application Information and Guidance
It’s in Nottingham (Nottingham BID Company Ltd) are curating and organising the Castle Christmas Market, which is being hosted in the grounds Nottingham Castle on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November 2023 as part of a wider Christmas at the Castle offer. The market will celebrate Nottingham’s independent businesses and will showcase a curated market of retail traders, street food and a licensed bar. There will be festive entertainment, with musicians in the bandstand, as well as family friendly performances in the grounds. The Castle Christmas Market is brought to you by It’s in Nottingham, in partnership with Nottingham Castle and supported by Nottingham City Council
Aim of the Castle Christmas Market
New for 2023, the market will support Nottingham based, independent retail, food and drink traders to help promote these businesses on a city-centre platform. The event will also compliment Nottingham’s wider festive offering, helping to attract visitors from the East Midlands, and beyond to the city centre, as well as supporting the recently re-opened Nottingham Castle
Why take part?
Nottingham Castle has recently re-opened, and starting with the market in November 2023, is looking to develop an annual festive market that supports independent Nottingham businesses. The success of our Ay-UpMarket in Old Market Square, in June 2023, brought in a city centre footfall of over 140,000 visitors, demonstrating that the public are committed to supporting independent businesses. Alongside the Castle market stalls, there will be a programme of family-friendly entertainment to further engage visitors, along with a licensed bar, street food and live performances in the historic bandstand, creating a festive atmosphere.
Event details
Castle Christmas Market is a two-day event taking place on Saturday 25 November – from 10am to 7pm – and Sunday 26 November from 10am to 4pm.
If you apply for a pitch, you are applying to trade for both days and will be expected to trade on each day If you cannot commit to both days, then we cannot accept an application from you
Alternatively, you could consider a joint application with another business. If you wish to do this, please contact us first for advice by emailing jake@itsinnottingham.com
Admission
On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November 2023, admission to the Castle and grounds, including the market, will be £1, or free for visitors with an annual season ticket The Castle’s galleries and cave tours will be open from 10am to 4pm on both days. Brewhouse Yard will be open from 11am to 4pm on both days
Trader Application Information and Guidance
Pitch
You will be allocated a trading pitch of 3m by 3m (roughly 10ft by 10ft). This area will consist of a covered marquee style stall, 6ft trestle table and two chairs. If you wish to bring your own structure for trading, this must be no larger than 3m by 3m and an image of your stall, including gazebo, must be supplied with application.
Basic site and stall lighting will be provided. If you require a double 13-amp socket, there is an additional charge of £30 00 +VAT Hot food/drink businesses requiring power will need to submit their power requirements. An additional charge will apply, and this will be charged based on your requirements You will be given your exact pitch location on arrival; this location will be predetermined and non-negotiable. Only trading vehicles or those essential to trade will be allowed to remain on site. We will request vehicle registration details once you have been allocated a pitch.
Please note, if you require any additional services for your pitch site, above the basic provision, charges will apply. These charges will be subject to VAT.
Eligibility
The market trader opportunities are available for independent businesses based in Nottingham and the wider Nottinghamshire area only An independent trader is loosely defined as a business with very few outlets, usually a single owner and with less than 50 employees. The organisers reserve the right to decline applications
Stall payment
The event is funded by It’s in Nottingham and supported by Nottingham Castle and Nottingham City Council However, we are asking for a nominal contribution from businesses to secure a stall This is to avoid empty stalls at the event, which will impact other traders.
Business payment contribution –
Retail - £150 (excluding VAT) for 2 days.
Hospitality business/Hot food retailer - £150 (excluding VAT) plus 20% of gross takings, for 2 days.
The fee will be non-refundable after 11:59pm Wednesday 1 November 2023. Payment must be received by Wednesday 4 October 2023, or the pitch offer will be withdrawn
Charities
Charitable organisations are encouraged to apply to trade at the Castle Christmas Market. Charities that apply to trade will qualify for a discounted fee of £100 (excluding VAT) for 2 days, depending on provision of a Registered Charity Number.
Trader Application Information and Guidance
Application
Application is via an online form, but a Word version is also available, upon request. If you need any support to complete the form, please contact jake@itsinnottingham.com
The application form must be completed in full. Incomplete forms will be returned to the applicant and a pitch will not be offered until the form is complete
Please take your time to read the Terms and Conditions of the Castle Christmas Market before completing the application form.
The closing date for applications is 11:59pm Sunday 24 September 2023.
Offer letters and stall payment instructions will be issued by Wednesday 27 September 2023
Data Protection statement
Please take time to read and understand how your data will be shared
Accessibility Requirements
Please let us know if you have any access requirements you would like us to be aware of or if you require any additional support to complete the application form
Contact details
For enquiries about trader applications, please email jake@itsinnottingham.com.