Grants & Community Support
The Lichfield Food & Drink Festivals are delivered as community events, designed to support local businesses, encourage new enterprises and showcase community-led activity across the city.
To support this, Lichfield District Council is offering two funding opportunities for the 2026 festivals.
Free Stalls for New Businesses
We recognise that start-up costs can be a barrier for new businesses. To help support local entrepreneurs, a limited number of free standard stalls are available to eligible traders.
Who can apply?
You may be eligible if your business:
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Is food, drink or artisan-based
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Has been trading for 12 months or less at the time of application
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Is based within Lichfield District
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Meets all standard trader requirements, including:
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£5 million Public Liability Insurance
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A 5-star Food Hygiene Rating (where applicable)
What’s included?
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One free standard pitch at either the Spring or Summer Food & Drink Festival
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Access to the same footfall, promotion and event infrastructure as paid traders
Free stalls are limited and will be awarded at the discretion of the Events Team to ensure a balanced and high-quality festival offer.
Fringe Activity & Community Grants
Up to £1,000 per application
Local businesses, community organisations and groups are invited to apply for grant funding of up to £1,000 to deliver fringe activity that supports and enhances the Food & Drink Festivals.
Who can apply?
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Local businesses
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Community organisations, charities and voluntary groups
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Cultural, creative or food-related organisations
What can the funding be used for?
Funding can support:
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Live music, performance or entertainment
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Workshops, demonstrations or talks
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Community-led activities linked to food, drink or culture
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Fringe events hosted in venues across the city during the festival dates
All activity should:
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Take place during or alongside the Food & Drink Festivals
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Be open to the public
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Add value to the overall festival programme
How Applications Will Be Assessed
Applications will be assessed by the Events Team based on:
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Alignment with the Food & Drink Festivals
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Community benefit and audience reach
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Value for money
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Deliverability within the festival timeframe
Funding is limited and not all applications will be successful.
How to Apply
Applications for free stalls and fringe activity grants will open shortly.
Further details, eligibility criteria and application forms will be published on this page.
Contact Us
If you would like to discuss eligibility or have an idea you would like to explore before applying, please contact the Events Team: events@lichfielddc.gov.uk