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.
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.