Darren Perry
Darren covers markets, pitches and permits, and the retail side of trading outdoors. Darren is part of the Event Industry Trader specialist team, published by Gala Tent.
About Darren
Darren Perry has spent 13 years with Gala Tent, most of them as sales manager.
He has been central to full market overhauls for several councils and operators, including Rotherham, Darlington, Ashton and Brixton Electric Avenue.
Guides written by Darren Perry
How to find events and markets to trade at
Where to find UK markets, fairs and festivals that take traders, how to judge whether an event is worth the pitch fee and how to apply.
Do I need a licence to trade at a market or event?
Do you need a licence to trade at a UK market, festival or on the street? Council markets, street trading consent, food registration and alcohol explained.
Street trading consent explained
What a council street trading consent covers, how it differs from a market pitch, who needs one and how to apply in England and Wales.
How to book a pitch at a market
How to book a pitch at a UK market: what organisers ask for, how pitches are allocated and what to have ready before you apply.
Trading at festivals and events
How private event organisers select traders at festivals and shows, and the insurance, food and safety paperwork they usually ask to see.
Food business registration for event traders
When a food seller must register with the local council, the 28 day rule for new businesses and what a food hygiene inspection looks at.
Selling alcohol at events
How a temporary event notice works in England and Wales, the limits on size and length, the notice period and who needs authorisation to sell alcohol.
Pitch sizes and layout
How to read a pitch plan and fit a stall, gazebo, weights and guy lines inside your pitch, with a checklist to measure before you book.
Profitable market stall ideas
Market stall ideas with the traits that tend to protect profit: good margins, repeat buyers, small stock and light kit. Includes what to check first.
Craft market stall ideas
Craft market stall ideas for UK makers, from jewellery and ceramics to candles and soap, with the product safety points to check for each category.
Farmers market stall ideas
Farmers market stall ideas that suit a producer-led market: fresh produce, baked goods, preserves, dairy, eggs, plants and more, with checks to make first.
Christmas market stall ideas
Christmas market stall ideas for UK traders: gifts, decorations, food and drink, with advice on early booking, lighting, cold weather and stock.
Low cost market stall ideas
Low cost market stall ideas for UK traders starting small: second-hand goods, handmade items, plants and bakes, plus the costs and rules to check.
Festival stall ideas
Festival stall ideas for UK traders, from festival fashion and glitter to food, drinks and camping kit, plus what organisers ask for before they book you.
School fair and fete stall ideas
Stall ideas for school fairs, village fetes and community days: games, tombola, plant sales, bakes and crafts, with the safety and food points to check.
Summer market stall ideas
Summer market stall ideas for UK traders: cold drinks, ice cream, plants, sun care, picnic food and garden goods, with tips for shade and hot weather.
Market stall display ideas
Market stall display ideas for UK traders: height, colour, signage, lighting and layout, with tips to make a table easy to browse and safe to set up.
Food stall ideas for markets and events
Food stall ideas for UK markets and events, grouped by hot food, bakes, sweet treats and fresh produce, with what each needs in kit, prep and registration.
Drink stall ideas for markets and events
Drink stall ideas for UK markets and events: coffee, tea, soft drinks, smoothies and mocktails, plus what each needs in kit, water, ice and paperwork.
Street food stall ideas for UK traders
Street food stall ideas for UK markets and events: how to build a short menu, serve quickly, cook safely on a compact pitch and stand out in a food row.
Festival food stall ideas for UK traders
Festival food stall ideas for UK traders: menus that serve fast, suit a crowd on the move, work in all weathers and meet organiser rules on kit and waste.
How to start a food stall in the UK
How to start a food stall in the UK: choose a menu, register your food business with the council, get insured, prepare allergen details and book pitches.
Setting up a food stall at an event
How to set up a food stall at a market or event: gazebo, layout, handwashing, hot and cold food, cooking safety, power and a checklist for the morning.
Food hygiene rating for event traders
How the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme works for event food traders: the 0 to 5 scale, what inspectors assess, display rules and how to ask for a re-visit.
Allergen information for food stalls
What allergen information a UK food stall must give: the 14 allergens, written or spoken information, signs, and how to handle questions at the counter.
What is a market stall?
What a market stall is, what it is made of, where stalls operate in the UK and what a trader needs to know before running one at a market or event.
Types of market stall
The main types of market stall in the UK, from street and farmers' markets to craft fairs and festivals, and how to choose the one that suits your product.
How to get a market stall
How to get a market stall in the UK: find the market, contact the organiser or council, supply your paperwork, book a casual pitch and prepare for day one.
Event Industry Trader is published by Gala Tent
Gala Tent designs and sells commercial gazebos, marquees and printed branding for traders and event organisers across the UK.