Chester Christmas Market Event Delivery

Marketing Cheshire has delivered the Chester Christmas Market in house since 2013.

Having established the brand profile and status of the Chester Christmas market, a sustainable business model, as well as long term relationships with reliable and high-quality local traders, moving forward it is our intention to continue to oversee the Christmas market from a strategic perspective, ensuring it is integrated into the Destination Chester programme of activity, but outsource delivery to an experienced supplier, who would work under contract to Marketing Cheshire.

This contract will run for up to five years and bids should be prepared on this basis.

Marketing Cheshire nevertheless reserves the right to give notice break the contract at its discretion at any time after the third year (Christmas 2024), such notice to be given by 30th June in the year prior to the next Christmas market.

Contract requirements Lead operational delivery of the Chester Christmas market.

This includes; Financial management of the Chester Christmas market, including preparing a financial plan for the market to be approved by Marketing Cheshire by 31st July annually Recruitment of stall holders in a way which is complimentary to the city offer and management of quality control.

Invoicing, ensuring payment and ongoing communication of stallholders Development of site layout plans in liaison with Cheshire West and Chester Council Development of an annual delivery plan in liaison with Cheshire West and Chester Council safety advisory group Appointment of contractors for example builders, electrician, security, waste services and payment of all invoices Responsibility for insurance and permissions such as alcohol licence, events licence and planning permission.

Purchase/rent and storage of good quality stalls for use at the Christmas market Secure sponsorship for the Christmas Market where appropriate Payment of annual market licence fee (£8k + vat in year 1) Work with Destination Chester on the promotion and development of Christmas in Chester Participate in regular Christmas planning meetings with other city stakeholders Develop ideas for growth and development of the Chester Christmas Market Liaise with the council market team to ensure coordination of offer, marketing and promotion Engage with Marketing Cheshire on handover of operational delivery Purchase of 14 stalls currently owned by Marketing Cheshire for a fee of £24,987+ VAT - which is a precondition of contract award and shall be paid on contract award.

Propose profit share arrangement with Marketing Cheshire to reflect the reputation and profile Marketing Cheshire have generated Please note the appointment of this contract is subject to the agreement with Cheshire West and Chester for Marketing Cheshire to lead the Chester Christmas Market being in place.

To apply please complete the documentation on our website