School fair and fete stall ideas
School fair and fete stall ideas include tombola, a plant stall, cakes and bakes, book sales, games, crafts and refreshments. Traders and volunteers alike should check food handling, any cash handling and the rules of the organiser before the day.
Popular stall types
- Tombola and raffle tables.
- Plant and produce stalls.
- Cakes, bakes and refreshments.
- Second-hand books, toys and games.
- Craft tables and handmade gifts.
- Games such as hoopla, coconut shy and guess the weight.
- Face painting and children's activities, which need checks on the products used.
- Cold drinks and ice lollies.
Pick stalls that match the audience. Families look for low-priced treats and quick games, so keep prices simple and change easy to make.
Planning with the organiser
Organisers often set the layout, the stall list and the hours. Ask who provides tables, shelter and power, and what insurance covers volunteers and visitors. Commercial traders joining a community event should tell the organiser what they sell and confirm that they will not clash with a fundraising stall.
A clear map and a list of stalls help the day run smoothly. Share it with volunteers in advance so everyone knows where they are working.
Food at fairs and fetes
Food stalls run by volunteers or traders can still have food safety duties. Ask your local council about registration and hygiene for the food you plan to sell, because the position depends on how often and how the food is sold. The GOV.UK guidance on prepacked food and allergens explains labels, and allergen information matters on a stall serving children. See the food business registration guide.
Label cakes and bakes with the main ingredients and the 14 major allergens, and keep a list of ingredients available for anyone who asks. Keep hands and surfaces clean, and use gloves or tongs where practical.
Ask the organiser whether there is a hand-washing point, and bring wipes and bin bags to keep your area tidy.
Games and activities
Games that involve throwing, lifting or equipment need a quick risk assessment. The guide to risk assessments for event stalls lists the steps. Keep small parts away from young children and make sure staff know how to run the game safely.
Toys given as prizes carry product safety duties for the supplier. If you buy prizes in bulk, check that they carry the markings expected for toys sold in Great Britain, and keep small parts away from very young children.
Raffles, tombolas and alcohol
Raffles, lotteries and alcohol sales fall under separate rules. Ask the organiser who holds any permissions, and read selling alcohol at events if drinks are on the menu. Check the rules for lotteries with the Gambling Commission or your local council.
Handling cash
Small stalls often take cash only. Bring a float and a locked cash box, and agree who counts the takings. Our guide to handling cash safely at events offers practical tips.
Take a small amount of stock back in case the weather turns, and keep a plan for cover if rain arrives. A gazebo over the cash and cake stalls protects goods and volunteers.
Frequently asked questions
What stalls make the most money at a school fair?
Bakes, tombolas, plant stalls and refreshments are popular, and results depend on the crowd and the price points. The organiser may have last year's figures.
Do I need insurance for a school fete stall?
The event may be covered by the organiser's policy. Ask what it covers and whether your own stall needs separate cover.
Can I run a commercial stall at a village fete?
Often yes. Ask the organiser for a pitch, and tell them what you sell so they can avoid overlap.
Marquees for larger events
Race meetings and large shows often call for more cover than a single gazebo. Gala Tent makes modular marquees for festivals and events.
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
- GOV.UK: starting a food business
- GOV.UK: prepacked for direct sale allergen labelling
- HSE: risk assessment
Rules vary by council and by event. Confirm requirements with the organiser and the relevant authority before you act.