Dates: 17th, 18th & 19th December 2026

Location: Bridges Reserve, Bell Street Coburg 3058 (google map)

Stallholder Expression of Interest

The Coburg Night Market, a summer highlight in Melbourne's north, drawing a diverse crowd across three nights at one of our beautiful Merri-bek parks. Each day, up to 9,500 people come to enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, local artisan products, and great live music, all in a family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Held at Coburg’s iconic Bridges Reserve, the market celebrates community, culture and creativity, with something for all ages.

We welcome applications from emerging and established First Peoples-led businesses, independent artists, artisans, makers and food and beverage vendors. First Peoples applicants are invited to express interest in a fully subsidised stall at Coburg Night Market.

Through this form, you can tell us a bit about yourself, what you’d like to sell or do during Coburg Night Market, and which days you’d like to attend.

Key Dates:

Expression of Interest Process 

• Expressions of Interest Open: Thursday 23 July 2026

• Expressions of Interest Information Session: Thursday 30 July 2026 - 6:00pm to 7:30pm (online). 
  Register for the Info Session here: CNM26: Expression of Interest – Stallholders Information Session
  Please email coburgnightmarket@merri-bek.vic.gov.au to request a copy of the recording.

• Expressions of Interest Close: Monday 17 August 2026 (11.59pm)
  

Expression of Interest Confirmation

• Stallholders notified of outcome: Tuesday 1 September 2026
  

• Stallholder Payment due: Friday 18 September 2026 (11.59pm)
  

• Compulsory Stallholder Briefing: Thursday 12 November 2026, 6:00pm to 7:30pm (online)

• Compulsory Completion of Online Safety Induction Due: Thursday 3 December 2026

Coburg Night Market Season

• Bump In: Thursday 17 December 2026 (specific times will be confirmed in November)

• Event dates:

  • 5:00pm to 10:00pm Thursday 17 December 2026

  • 5:00pm to 10:00pm, Friday 18 December 2026

  • 2:00pm to 10:00pm, Saturday 19 December 2026

• Bump Out: (specific times will be confirmed in December)

Checklist

Before you begin please ensure you have completed the following checklist:

• Read and understand the relevant Stallholder Guidelines on our website. 

• Have a digital copy of your full product/menu list including prices ready

• Have 2 photos of your stall ready

• Have 2 photos or images of your products and display ready

You can click "Save and Complete Later" at the bottom of the page to receive an editable link to your submission.

Selection Criteria

Stallholder applications will be assessed based on the following criteria: 

• Local Preference: Priority will be given to makers, producers, and service providers based in Merri-bek.

• Product Quality and Uniqueness: Consideration of the overall quality and distinctiveness of the products or food on offer.

• Stall Presentation: Assessment of the stall setup, including visual appeal and suitability for the site.

• Experience and Financial Stability: Review of the stallholder’s retail and business experience, along with their financial capacity.

• Attendance: Preference will be given to stallholders who can commit to attending all three days of the market.

• Support for Small-Scale Makers: Preference for small-scale makers and businesses, rather than those selling commercially manufactured products.

• Safety and set-up: Careful consideration will be given to the safe setup and operation of the stall, with particular attention to marquee safety requirements.

Merri-bek City Council reserves the right to select stalls based on achieving a balanced mix of goods and services for the event. All decisions are final, and no negotiation will be entered. 

Merri-bek City Council reserves the right to refuse incomplete applications.

Category Descriptions:

We're seeking passionate foodies, talented makers, and vibrant community stalls to help shape the energy and atmosphere of Coburg Night Market. 

We welcome applications from emerging and established First Peoples-led businesses, independent artists, artisans, makers and food and beverage vendors. 

When filling out the form, please choose the stall category that best suits your offering.

• Food and Beverage Stalls: For traders interested in selling food and beverages including food trucks, carts, trailers and containers. All Food and Beverage stallholders must lodge a Statement of Trade.

• Artisan and Craft Stalls: ‘Artisan’ comprises of anything ethically handmade, either by yourself or by someone else. 

• Commercial / Merchandise Stalls: This category is for non-handmade products or those not ethically produced by others. 
  

* For stalls selling pre-packaged food and beverage (eg gifts or take-away sales), apply as an Artisan Stall - rather than the Food and Beverage category.

Stall Categories

About You and Your Organisation

Public Liability Insurance (PLI)

All stallholders must hold current Public Liability Insurance (PLI) with a minimum coverage of $20 million. 

If your Expression of Interest is successful, you’ll be asked to provide a digital copy of your Certificate of Currency. The certificate must clearly show the insured party’s name, coverage amount, and valid policy dates.

About Your Stall

Stallholders must comply with the relevant standards of all gas appliances set by Energy Safe Victoria.They ensure gas appliances are used safely and consider equipment, installation, ventilation and clearance, fire protection and emergency management.

FoodTrader Requirements

Food and Beverage traders are required to hold a current FoodTrader account. This ensures that your food service is registered with a local government authority and can legally trade.  https://foodtrader.vic.gov.au    

If selected, Food and Beverage traders will be required to lodge a Statement of Trade for the event via their FoodTrader account.

Closed Alcohol Sales

Coburg Night Market is a licensed area. Stallholders can express interest in selling takeaway alcohol products. Permission will be required from our Bar Manager, who holds the liquor licence, and stallholders will require a Producer’s licence. Stalls will not be able to sell alcoholic drinks to be consumed onsite. Samples and giveaways must adhere to the licencing requirements as directed by the Bar Manager.

The sale or supply of alcohol for drinking onsite is strictly prohibited. This includes any activity that encourages or enables onsite drinking, such as: 

• Providing cups, glassware or drinking vessels

• Opening bottles or containers 

• Offering tastings that do not meet licence conditions

Plastic Free Events

Serving up sustainability: unbleached serviettes, reusables, and plastic-free choices 

Coburg Night Market follows Merri-bek City Council’s Plastic Wise Policy, which supports the use of sustainable, low-impact materials. Stallholders are expected to minimise waste and choose reusable, recyclable or compostable alternatives where possible. 

You can read more and download the full Plastic Wise Policy via the Merri-bek City Council website.

The following items are NOT allowed at the event: 

• Balloons 

• Single-use plastic including bags, bottles (e.g., water, soft drinks), cups, plates, bowls, straws, cutlery, and take-away containers 

• Non-recyclable packaging 

• Compostable plastic cups, plates, bowls, straws, cutlery, and take-away containers 

• Avoidable plastic packaging like cling wrap, plastic bags, or similar 

Preferred materials include: 

• Reusable or recyclable containers 

• Unbleached paper serviettes 

• Fabric or compostable banners and signage 

• Washable cups, plates and cutlery 

Please use reusable event materials like promotional banners and flags whenever possible. 

Exemptions can be obtained for coffee and ice cream traders where non-single use cups are unavailable. Please indicate in your Expression of Interest if you wish to apply for an exemption.

Exemptions can be obtained for coffee and ice cream traders where non-single use cups are unavailable. Please indicate if you wish to apply for an exemption.

Performances, workshops or activities

It may be possible to facilitate a performance, workshop, or activity as part of your stall. They need to be planned and confirmed in advance so please describe your activities and indicate if they involve noise, distractions, or extend beyond your designated 3 x 3m or 3 x 6m site.

First Peoples-led businesses

We welcome applications from emerging and established First Peoples-led businesses, independent artists, artisans, makers and food and beverage vendors.

If you identify as a First Peoples applicant, you are invited to express interest in a fully subsidised stall at Coburg Night Market. If your application is successful, your site and equipment hire fees will be fully subsidised.

Food and Beverage Stalls

Food and beverage stallholders can nominate their preferred stall size, purchase power, hire a marquee or other equipment as needed. 

All sites must provide their own lighting; however, battery-powered LED lights can be hired for an additional cost.

Please use the section below to indicate which days you would like to trade and what site, power and equipment you require. Due to the complexity of site planning at the Coburg Night Market, preference will be given to stalls operating across all three days.

If your expression of interest is successful, you’ll receive an automated email with payment instructions based on your selections in this form.

Artisan and Craft & Commercial / Merchandise Stalls

Stallholders can nominate their preferred stall size and request marquee and/or equipment hire if needed. 

All sites must provide their own battery-powered lighting; however, battery-powered LED lights can be hired for an additional cost (see Equipment Hire below).

Please use the section below to indicate which days you would like to trade and any equipment requirements. Due to the scale and layout of the Coburg Night Market, priority will be given to stalls that plan to operate across all three days.

If your expression of interest is successful, you’ll receive an automated email with payment instructions based on your selections in this form.

You have selected:

You have selected:

You have selected:

You have selected:

Please select the days you plan to trade:

(NOTE:  preference will be given to stalls operating across all three days)

Only food and beverage stalls can use power. If you need power, you must determine the power requirements you will need to operate (10 or 15amp outlets). Generators, including those attached to vehicles, are not allowed as power is supplied on site to meet PoPE safety standards and avoid overloading. Please state your power needs in this application so we can plan effectively.

You have selected:

Power add-ons

Power hire (Food and Beverage stalls only)

You must determine the power requirements you will need to operate. 

Choose carefully - changes to power requirements are not possible after the stallholder selection process.

You will be able to select from the following:

• 10 Amp power hire: $53.10 per day [per outlet] (incl. GST)

• 15 Amp power hire: $63.70 per day [per outlet] (incl. GST)
  
  

Important safety requirements:

All electrical equipment brought on-site must be tested and tagged by a qualified professional, and must comply with WorkSafe Victoria’s industry standards.

Power cables must comply with WorkSafe Victoria’s industry standards. Cables must be safely hung overhead or run inside a cable tray. PSOAs (Portable Socket Outlet Assemblies) must be used.

If your are successful in your stallholder application, you will be invoiced for the total number of power requirements you indicated above.
For example, access to 2 x 10 Amp power = $106.20 (incl GST) per day

You have selected to purchase power for each day indicated that you wish to attend:

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Vehicles, Trailers, Caravans, Non-Marquee Stalls and Cool Rooms/Chillers

If you plan to trade from a stall that includes a vehicle, trailer, caravan, non-marquee stall (i.e. a container) and/or a cool room/chiller - these require special planning for site layout and movement.

Our capacity to accommodate them on-site is limited. You must provide exact dimensions (including drawbars) and indicate how they will be positioned in relation to your stall.

Use of Stallholder-Owned Generators (Not Permitted)

The use of stallholder-owned power generators is not permitted, including those attached to vehicles. This is to ensure we can maintain safe, reliable, and quiet power across the site. We use low-noise generators that meet electrical safety requirements under the PoPE and carefully plan power distribution to avoid overloading or tripping. All stallholders must estimate their power requirements in their application so we can manage supply effectively.

Non-marquee stalls:

Cool room / chiller:

Marquees and Weights 

All stall infrastructure must comply with PoPE (Public Occupancy Permit for Events) safety requirements and meet applicable event safety standards. 

All stallholders must operate from a securely weighted marquee for weather protection (excluding self-contained food trucks or trailers). 

Coburg Night Market provides event-grade marquees and appropriate weights for hire. These can be pre-booked through this EOI application form. Hire fees will be outlined in the Additional Hire Charges table.

With the exception of self-contained stalls such as Food Trucks and Trailers, all sites must have a safe, professional structure that provides durable sun and weather protection.

Marquees:
Marquees and weights are not included in stallholder site fees but can be hired through this form. Hire is offered at cost price via Merri-bek. Hired marquees include weights and professional setup.

Weights:
All marquees must be securely weighted. You can hire a set of weights through this form (depending on your marquee size). Weights must be evenly distributed across all legs. Minimum requirements:

• 3 x 3m marquee (4 legs): 40 kg per leg | 160kg total

• 3 x 6m marquee (6 legs): 65 kg per leg | 390kg total

Pegging:
Pegging is not permitted on the Coburg Night Market site, for marquees or any other purpose.

Food trading:
Marquees used for food trading must have three walls, unless gas appliances are in use, in which case only two walls are required.

Safety Requirements for Marquees

All stall infrastructure must comply with PoPE (Place of Public Entertainment Permit) safety requirements and meet applicable event safety standards. 

Bringing your own marquee is strongly discouraged. If your marquee is later found to be non-compliant with PoPE safety requirements, your stall may be disqualified from participating. 

If you plan to use your own marquee, you must upload the following with your EOI:

Engineering certificate for your marquee model, issued by the manufacturer. This is usually supplied with the marquee.

The certificate must state:

 ‧ how the marquee is secured against wind
 ‧ wind ratings at different speeds
 ‧ required ballast weights (ideally per leg)

Tent pegging is not permitted in the park at Coburg Night Market. All marquees must be weighted.

Please note: 

Assembly instructions or general product specifications without relevant safety or compliance information will not be accepted as certification. 

Applications submitted without the correct documentation will not be approved. 

All on-site infrastructure will be inspected by a registered engineer. Marquees must comply with POPE safety requirements at the time of inspection. If your own marquee is later found to be non-compliant, your stall may be disqualified from participating.

Marquee Hire

Coburg Night Market provides event-grade marquees and appropriate weights for hire, as a package. 
This also includes the set-up of your marquee before arrival. Please see prices below:

• 3 x 3m marquee hire (includes weights and setup): $236.50 per hire* (incl. GST)

• 3 x 6m marquee hire (includes weights and setup): $473.00 per hire* (incl. GST)

*Please note: the ‘per hire’ cost is for the duration of the event, regardless of how many days you choose to attend.

You have selected to hire a 3 x 3 marquee.

Reminder: This selection includes the marquee, weights and set-up prior to arrival.
Total cost: $236.50 - for the duration of the event.

You have selected to hire a 3 x 6 marquee.

Reminder: This selection includes the marquee, weights and set-up prior to arrival.
Total cost: $473.00 - for the duration of the event.

Marquee Weights Hire

You can hire marquee weight sets through this form. Weights must be evenly distributed across all legs. 

To meet the minimum ballast requirement per leg, we provide the following sets:

• 3 × 3m marquee weights 

  • (40 kg per leg × 4 legs): 4 weights (13kg) per leg = 16 weights total = $88 per hire* (inc. GST)

• 3 × 6m marquee weights 

  • (65 kg per leg × 6 legs): 5 weights (13kg) per leg = 30 weights total = $165 per hire* (inc. GST)

*Please note: the ‘per hire’ cost is for the duration of the event, regardless of how many days you choose to attend.

You have selected to hire 16 weights.

Total cost: $88.00 - for the duration of the event.

You have selected to hire 30 weights.

Total cost: $165.00 - for the duration of the event.

Reminder:
If you choose to provide your own weights, you must ensure you meet these minimum requirements in order to operate: 

    3 x 3m marquee (4 legs): 40 kg per leg | 160kg total
    3 x 6m marquee (6 legs): 65 kg per leg | 390kg total

Equipment Hire - LED Lights, Tables, Chairs

The following equipment is available for hire for your stall:

• LED Light
  

• Trestle Table 

• Chairs (set of 2)

See further details below, and select the items you wish to hire.

Note: Total costs and invoices will be provided if your application is successful.

Internal stall lighting is not provided with any stalls. If you do not have your own battery-powered lights, you can hire one below.
LED Lights are recharged by Merri-bek staff each night.

• LED Light (battery-powered) = $42.30 per hire* (inc. GST)

*Please note: the ‘per hire’ cost is for the duration of the event, regardless of how many days you choose to attend.

If you wish to hire an LED Light, check the box below:

You have selected to hire an LED Light.

Total cost: $42.30 - for the duration of the event.

If you would like a table provided for your stall, a trestle table can be hired for an additional cost.
The size of the tables are 1.8m x 75cm.

• Trestle Table = $19.80 per hire* (inc. GST)
  

*Please note: the ‘per hire’ cost is for the duration of the event, regardless of how many days you choose to attend.

If you wish to hire a trestle table, check the box below:

You have selected to hire a trestle table.

Total cost: $19.80 - for the duration of the event.

If you would like chairs provided for your stall, a set of 2 chairs can be hired for an additional cost. 

• Chairs (set of 2) = $19.80 per hire* (inc. GST)
  

*Please note: the ‘per hire’ cost is for the duration of the event, regardless of how many days you choose to attend.

If you wish to hire a set of chairs, select below:

You have selected to hire a set of 2 chairs.

Total cost: $19.80 - for the duration of the event.

Mandatory Site Safety Requirements 

All stallholders must ensure the following: 

• All stallholders must operate from a securely weighted marquee for weather protection (excluding self-contained food trucks or trailers). 

• Pegging into the ground is not permitted anywhere onsite. 

• Food stalls must have three walls, or two walls if using gas appliances. 

• Stallholders must only operate within their allocated space (e.g. 3x3m or 3x6m marquee or assigned food truck/trailer footprint). 

• A small back-of-house area may be available by prior arrangement and must be kept tidy and free from waste. 

• Shared paths and areas outside your site must always remain clear and unobstructed. This includes A-frame signs, stock or equipment. 

• Generators, including those attached to vehicles, are not permitted. Power is supplied on site to meet PoPE safety standards and avoid overloading. 
  

• All electrical equipment must be tested and tagged by a suitably qualified person before being brought to the event. 

• All stalls will be inspected for safety before trading begins.  

• Stalls that do not meet requirements may not be permitted to operate.
  

Join our stallholder database

Stallholders notified of outcome

Once stallholders have been selected, you will receive confirmation via the Expression of Interest form. The confirmation will prompt you to upload any final documents and details, as well as to make payment.  

Stallholders that have not paid their fees prior to event day will not be permitted on site. 

Cancellation/Refunds 

Stallholders must attend all the market days they book, and no refunds or credits will be provided for non-attendance, regardless of the reason. Inability to attend on alternative dates will also result in no refund or credit. Merri-bek City Council has the right to cancel the event due to circumstances, such as inclement weather, that may pose a reasonable risk to stallholders, the public, or staff. In such cases, stallholders cannot make claims for loss against Merri-bek City Council.

Privacy and Declaration

Merri-bek City Council is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) and the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).  

The personal information requested on this form is being collected by Merri-bek City Council for the purpose of administering and assessing applications for the Coburg Night Market and may also be used to update your personal information otherwise held by Council (for example, contact details including email address, phone number). 

The personal information will be disclosed to assessment panel members engaged by Council for the purpose of evaluating applications for the Coburg Night Market and may also be used by Council for related purposes. 

It will not be disclosed to any other external party without your consent, unless required or authorised by law. If the personal information is not provided, Council may not be able to process your application or contact you regarding the outcome. 

By submitting your applicationto take part in the Coburg Night Market, you confirm that: 

• You have read and understood the terms outlined above; 

• You acknowledge and consent to the collection and use of your personal information for the stated purposes; 

• You are a permanent Australian resident; 

• You are not currently bankrupt or insolvent under the Bankruptcy Act 1966; The information you provide is, to the best of your knowledge, true and correct; and 

• You understand that stallholder and equipment fees are non-refundable if you fail to attend the event. 

To secure your stall during Coburg Night Market please:

• Review and update your details to make sure everything is correct. This will be your final chance to update your stall information.

• Complete the confirmation section - Coburg Night Market 2026 Successful Stallholder Expression of Interest Confirmation

• Upload your documents as required:
  - Public Liability Insurance
  - Foodtrader Registration Number
  - Working With Children Check (if applicable)
  

• Payment – once you confirm, an invoice will be sent to you separately. Payment is due by Friday 26 September.

All stallholders must hold current Public Liability Insurance (PLI) with a minimum coverage of $20 million. 

Please  provide a digital copy of your Certificate of Currency. The certificate must clearly show the insured party’s name, coverage amount, and valid policy dates. 

Apply for Merri-bek City Council Public Liability Insurance Cover

We have a limited number of spaces that can be covered by Merri-bek City Council’s Public Liability Insurance. These spaces are reserved for first time Artisan and First Peoples stalls. If you a first time Artisan or First Peoples Stall holder, and cannot provide your own Public Liability Insurance, please visit https://merribekcitycouncil.snapforms.com.au/form/merri-bek-city-council-public-liability-cover-application-form 

If you receive Merri-bek PLI Cover, please upload the confirmation in the above field. 

As a Foodtrader you need to lodge a Statement of Trade (SOT).  Please visit the Foodtrader website https://foodtrader.vic.gov.au/user-guide/statements-of-trade/ 

When lodging you SOT enter the following event details when selecting the event: 

Coburg Night Market 2025 Event ID: EV-0051636-MERR

Stallholder Briefing

It is compulsory for all participating stallholders to attend the Stallholder Briefing: 6:00pm to 7:30pm, Thursday 12 November 2026 (online). Visit the following link to register: 

 the briefing

Visit the following link to register: 

Stallholder Briefing - Coburg Night Market 2026

Safety Induction

A mandatory safety induction will be provided to each stallholder to complete online. Stallholders will not be permitted onsite without it, and this will be checked by event staff on the day. The online safety induction link will be provided prior to the event.

Thank you for your interest in being a stallholder for Coburg Night Market 2026!

To finalise your EOI application, please select the 'Submit' button below.