Applications Close: Sunday 20th September, 11:59pm.
All applicants will be notified by Friday 30th September at the latest.
🔗 Applications are now live, please apply here: Light Up 2026 Trader Applications.
Event Applications
Apply to trade or provide services at Wakefield Council's major events and festivals.
Festivals & Events Applications Scoring Framework
We’ve made some improvements to how we score applications from traders and mobile street food vendors across our event markets programme. Each application form will include a clear breakdown of the scores available; you can also download the full framework below to help your application shine.
Top tips to boost your application:
• Show off your creativity – we love stalls that are eye-catching and fit the theme of our events.
• Focus on quality – whether it’s your products, food, or presentation, high standards really stand out.
• Be clear and detailed – tell us what makes your offer unique and why it’s a great fit for our event.
• Support sustainability – we value eco-friendly practices and local sourcing.
Castleford Light Switch-On | Sunday 22nd November 12pm – 6pm
Ossett Light Switch-On | Saturday 28th November 12pm – 7pm
Pontefract Light Switch-On | Sunday 29th November 12pm – 6pm
Join us for our Light Switch-On celebrations, featuring festive speciality markets, live stage entertainment, and a countdown to the Christmas lights at 5:30pm at all event locations.
Please use the forms below to select which events you’d like to apply for:
Trader Applications
Mobile Food & Drink Vendor Applications
Applications Close: Sunday 20th September, 11:59pm.
All applicants will be notified by Friday 30th September at the latest.
🔗 Applications are now live, please apply here: Light Up 2026 Food & Drink Vendor (no alcohol) Applications.
Partner & Community Group Applications
Applications Close: Sunday 20th September, 11:59pm.
All applicants will be notified by Friday 30th September at the latest.
🔗 Applications are now live, please apply here: Light Up 2026 Community & Charity Applications.
Rhubarb Festival 2027
Wakefield’s Rhubarb Festival is a vibrant annual celebration of the district’s world-famous forced rhubarb heritage, bringing the city centre to life with market stalls, live entertainment, family activities and delicious rhubarb-inspired food and drink.
📅 Friday 19 – Sunday 21 February 2027
Please use the forms below to select which events you’d like to apply for:
Trader Applications
This application form is aimed at traders who sell a variety of goods such as food, drinks, crafts, gifts and more. There will be multiple traders appointed to the event. If you sell alcohol, this may only be for consumption off site (bottled etc.).
Applications Close: Sunday 11th October, 11:45pm.
All applicants will be notified by Friday 23rd October at the latest.
🔗 Applications are now live, please apply here: Rhubarb Festival 2027 Trader Applications.
Food & Drink Vendor Applications
This application form is aimed at mobile food & drink operators who serve a wide range of hot and cold food and drinks. There will be a range of vendors appointed to the event. This application is not for vendors who serve alcohol.
Applications Close: Sunday 11th October, 11:45pm.
All applicants will be notified by Friday 23rd October at the latest.
🔗 Applications are now live, please apply here: Rhubarb Festival 2027 Food & Drink Vendor (no alcohol) Applications.
Bar Operator Applications
This application form is aimed at mobile bar operators who can provide a full bar setup, including, but not limited to structure, equipment, and staffing. There will be one sole operator appointed to the event.
Applications Close: Sunday 11th October, 11:45pm.
All applicants will be notified by Friday 23rd October at the latest.
🔗 Applications are now live, please apply here: Rhubarb Festival 2027 Bar Operator Applications.
Partner & Community Group Applications
This application form is aimed at charities, local organisations, and community groups looking to raise awareness for their organisation or cause and provide an opportunity for you to connect with visitors at our events.
Applications Close: Sunday 11th October, 11:45pm.
All applicants will be notified by Friday 23rd October at the latest.
🔗 Applications are now live, please apply here: Rhubarb Festival 2027 Community & Charity Applications.
Mailing List
Subscribe to Wakefield Council Events’ mailing list to be notified when event applications go live.