Community grants and free stalls
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, we are offering two opportunities for the 2026 festivals.
Applications for community grants and free stalls for the Spring Food and Drink Festival are now closed. Successful applicants will be notified in early March.
We are still accepting applications for the August Food & Drink Festival 2026 on 29 - 31 August 2026.
Community grants
These grants are designed to help community groups, creatives and organisations contribute to a lively, engaging and high-quality festival programme that enhances the visitor experience and brings Lichfield city centre to life.
Organisations can apply for grants of up to £1,000 to put on fringe activity during the festival. Funding can support:
- Live entertainment and performances.
- Creative and cultural activities.
- Fringe events and installations.
- Other family-friendly activity that complements the festival.
Who can apply?
You can apply if your organisation:
- Is based in Lichfield District.
- Can deliver activity during the festival.
- Is submitting one application only.
- Is proposing activity suitable for a public, family-friendly audience.
How applications are assessed?
All eligible applications will be scored and ranked. Funding decisions will be based on overall score achieved and how well proposals contribute to a balanced and varied festival programme.
Applications are assessed against:
- Contribution to the festival programme.
- Visitor experience and engagement.
- Quality and deliverability.
- Value for money.
- Strategic fit and risk.
How to apply
To apply for a community grant for the August Food & Drink Festival 2026 on 29 - 31 August 2026, please email events@lichfielddc.gov.uk.
Free stalls
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:
- Is food, drink or artisan-based.
- Has been trading for 12 months or less at the time of application.
- Is based within Lichfield District.
- Meets all standard trader requirements, including:
- £5 million public liability insurance.
- A 5-star food hygiene rating (where applicable).
What’s included?
- One free standard pitch.
- Access to the same footfall, promotion and event infrastructure as paid traders.
How to apply
To apply for a free stall at the August Food & Drink Festival 2026 on 29 - 31 August 2026, please email events@lichfielddc.gov.uk.
Contact us
If you would like to discuss eligibility or have an idea you would like to explore before applying, please email events@lichfielddc.gov.uk.