Selling in bad weather
To keep selling in bad weather, check the forecast and any Met Office warnings the day before, weight every gazebo leg, use side walls to protect stock and customers, and follow the organiser if they ask traders to take down in high wind. Safety comes before sales.
Check the forecast early
Look at the forecast a few days ahead and again the evening before. The Met Office publishes weather warnings for the UK, graded by colour, and organisers often use them when deciding whether an event goes ahead. Message the organiser if you are unsure.
Secure the gazebo
Weight every leg, and use heavier weights when wind is forecast. Many organisers do not allow pegs on hard ground. Wind is the main risk to a gazebo, so treat it seriously. The guide to choosing a gazebo for a market stall covers frames, canopies and weights.
Protect stock and kit
- Side walls on the windward side.
- Waterproof covers or boxes for paper, fabric and electronics.
- Items raised off the ground on crates.
- A towel for hands, the card reader and the table.
- Spare bags to wrap purchases.
Keep customers comfortable and adjust what you sell
People stay longer at a stall where they can stand dry. Keep a clear space under the canopy, and good light inside on dull days. Some products sell well in poor weather, such as umbrellas or hot drinks, so bring a few items that suit the conditions and move them to the front of the display.
Know when to stop
Follow the organiser's instructions. If conditions become unsafe, lower or take down the gazebo, and keep people away from it. The HSE publishes event safety guidance for organisers, and many events set wind limits for structures. Take no chances with a frame in strong gusts.
Dress and prepare yourself
Waterproofs, warm layers, a hat and spare dry socks keep you working for the whole day. The outdoor event checklist has a full packing list.
Plan for a cancelled event
Before you book, read the trader terms on cancellation and refunds for bad weather, and ask the organiser about their plan. Tell customers on social media if you are not attending, so they do not make a wasted trip.
Frequently asked questions
Should I still trade if it is raining?
Many events carry on in rain, and people still buy. Check with the organiser, protect your stock and keep customers dry.
How do I stop my gazebo blowing away?
Weight every leg, use side walls with care, and follow the organiser's wind guidance. Take the gazebo down if conditions are unsafe.
What happens to my pitch fee if the event is cancelled for weather?
It depends on the organiser's trader terms, so read them before you book and ask about their weather policy.
Where can I check weather warnings?
The Met Office publishes UK weather warnings on its website. Check them the day before and on the morning of the event.
Gazebos built for regular pitches
Once a pitch is confirmed, the stall needs to fit it. Gala Tent makes market stall gazebos for traders who set up week after week.
Useful pages on our sister sites
Event Industry Trader is published by Gala Tent. These pages from Gala Tent and the wider Gala group go further on the kit, branding and payments covered here.
Where to check the rules
Rules vary by council and by event. Confirm requirements with the organiser and the relevant authority before you act.