How to Book a Stand

Update: we are full - but there is a waiting list

We have over 60 stalls booked for WFOFAD 24. Please email [email protected] if you want an invite to WFOFAD 2025

Introduction

WFOFAD returns on Saturday 18th May 2024 at the beautiful medieval Saint Mary’s Church, and on Church Green, running from 9:30am to 4:30 pm. The postcode is OX28 4AW.

WFOFAD 2023 (190)

The Witney Festival of Food and Drink, or WFOFAD as it is fondly known, is an annual charitable event showcasing the best of local artisan food and drink producers. 2024 is our 10th anniversary.

WFOFAD draws thousands of visitors each year - we expect around 4,000 in 2024. People come to experience 60 artisan stalls selling bread, cakes, cheese, sauces, pies, pancakes, meats, fruit & vegetables beer, wine, and cider, to name a few. There is also street food, live music, children’s activities, displays by local clubs, a raffle, and a bar & café - making it a fun day out for food lovers and all the family!

A large fun fair takes place the same day, next door on The Leys, and many fair goers spontaneously drop into WFOFAD as well.

Small artisan companies often find it hard to get a platform for their products. Here at WFOFAD we try hard to provide one. We are keen to host any small local independent producer or retailer of food and drink within a 60-mile radius of Witney.

We also host local suppliers of kitchen equipment; organisations offering sports & leisure activities; and charities promoting a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.

To get a feel for the day please do visit our online photo album of past festivals website which hosts pictures of the event.

The event is open to any small local independent producer of food and drink. 

There are two categories of stallholder: 

  • PRODUCE STALLS selling preserved or ‘cold’ produce such as bread, cakes, spices, meats, and vegetables. 
  • HOT, CHILLED or FROZEN FOOD STALLS selling hot or chilled items such as paella, pizza, or ice cream. 

Stalls are located inside the church or outside in the church grounds. There is a dedicated Food Court with hot food stalls selling specialities such as paella and fresh pizza. Hot food sellers with their own generator may opt locate in the road in front of the church, subject to availability.

Cost of Stands and Power

  • produce, hardware or information stall cost: 2 metre = £40 | 3 metre = £60 | Other sizes on application
  • hot food stall cost: 2 metre = £50 | 3 metre stalls = £75 | Other sizes on application
  • We have upgraded our power supply 
  • Electrical sockets (subject to availability) are £20 per socket each drawing up to 5 amps. Higher rated amp sockets such as 32A or 16A Commando are available to hot/frozen food stalls
  • The cost is: single socket = £20 | double socket = £40 | one item per socket (no multi-adaptors). 
  • We will work with any Hot Food sellers needing multiple power points to identify and meet their power needs. The cost of 32A or 16A Commando depends on the amount of ampage needed. Electricity is charged at cost.

Contact Us

Booking a Stall FAQs

  • Are you improving your power supply? We are adding extra capacity to ensure all stalls can access the ampage they need to power lights, cookers, etc
  • How are power charges for hot/chilled/frozen food stalls calculated? We will contact you to agree likely amps usage and hence a charge to cover the electricity costs. We do not seek to make a profit from supplying electricity but to cover our costs.
  • Does the venue have Wi-Fi? We have fast internet (70 mbs). There is a free guest network inside St Mary’s and we can put you on our secure internal wi-fi.
  • Do you supply stalls with tables and chairs? We do supply one or two chairs per stand, but exhibitors need to bring their own table.
  • Are gazebos and display units allowed? Yes, providing your display fits within the space booked.
  • When is payment due? Invoices are issued on confirmation of booking. Payment must be received by 1st of February 2024. Payment secures your place.
  • How do you manage stalls selling similar products? We are careful to ensure that there are not too many stalls selling similar products. Priority is given to the stall which has booked and paid for their stand. Please book and pay early to avoid disappointment
  • When do I know if my stall application is accepted. We will be in touch within 5 working days to confirm that your application meets our criteria eg small local independent stall. If you have not heard by then, please email [email protected] and ask for an update.
  • When is the last date I can cancel due to unforeseen circumstances? Any cancellation received before 18th March 2024 will receive a full rebate.

Selling Alcohol at WFOFAD

  • Does WFOFAD have a licence to sell alcohol? Yes we do but only for alcohol sold by us from our bar area the Rectors Arms.
  • Can my stand sell alcohol for “on-site” consumption? No, only alcohol sold from The Rectors Arms can be consumed on site. All bottles/cans sold by any stall holder must be sealed and not opened by you (or anyone else).
  • Can I sell alcohol for “take home” use? Yes. All alcohol you sell must be consumed off site
  • Do I need to apply for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) if I sell alcohol for “take home” use? Yes you do unless you hold a personal licence as many people who make alcoholic drinks do. Please send us a copy of your licence.
  • Can I serve small taster samples? Yes you can, there are many suppliers of small glasses for this purpose. Please recycle them after use if at all possible.
  • Is there a festival bar? Yes, there is a pop-up bar run by the organisers called The Rector's Arms which is selling local ales, lagers and ciders. 
  • Who is responsible for ensuring only over 18s buy alcohol? You as the stallholder are responsible for checking ID. The Rectors Arms will also be checking very carefully. Marshalls and security staff walking round will also be checking if there is any doubt.

Please email: [email protected] if you have any unanswered questions

Last updated 06/03/24