TRADING FOR 2027 - NOW OPEN!

The Alresford Watercress Festival returns on Sunday 16 May 2027 and applications are now open for traders wishing to join us.  Applications close on 31 January 2027.

The festival is held throughout Alresford town centre, attracting thousands of visitors and bringing together a fantastic mix of food, drink, artisan products, local producers, makers and charities.

Before you apply

  • Applications are not first come, first served.
  • All applications are reviewed after the closing date.
  • We look for quality, variety, locally made or sourced products, use of watercress where appropriate, and something a little different.
  • Previous attendance does not guarantee a pitch.
  • New traders are always very welcome to apply.
  • We aim to notify all applicants by mid-February 2027.

Festival Day & Your Pitch

The Watercress Festival takes place on Sunday 16 May 2027 and is a one-day event.

Traders are allocated a space only within the festival streets. You will need to provide your own gazebo, tables, display equipment and everything required to operate your stall unless specifically agreed otherwise.

There is an early morning set-up, before the festival opens to visitors. As the festival takes place on public roads, all traders must be packed down and off the streets by 6pm to allow the roads to reopen. Full arrival, set-up and departure instructions will be provided to successful traders.

2027 Pitch Fees

Click the application box below to view trader types and prices. 

Festival Areas

  • West Street & Station Road - A mixture of food, drink and products to take home.
  • Broad Street - Primarily food and drink to be consumed at the festival, alongside the Hampshire Farmers' Market.
  • East Street - Our family and children's area, featuring activities, entertainment and family-focused traders.
  • Eco Area – Station Mill - For recycled and upcycled goods, environmentally friendly products, vegan catering and all things green.
  • Makers Market – Station Forecourt - A dedicated area showcasing artisan traders, makers and handmade products.

Why does the website call me a "Member"?

Please don't be confused by the word Membership when completing your application.  Our website uses a membership-based system to manage trader applications and payments. This means your application and pitch may be referred to as a "Membership", and the payment mandate may appear to indicate an automatic annual renewal.

You are not joining an annual membership scheme and your payment will not automatically renew.

Your payment relates only to the festival for which you have been accepted. After the festival, trader payment details are deleted from the system in readiness for the following year's applications.

Choosing Your Pitch

When applying, please select your preferred pitch option.

If you are successful, please check your confirmation carefully. While we will do our best to accommodate your preference, we cannot guarantee your first choice and may allocate you to another area or pitch type to create the best overall mix and layout for the festival.

Ready to apply?

Choose  the APPLY TO TRADE box below, then select the appropriate application option and tell us about your business, your products and what makes you stand out!