Cardiff Festivals & Markets Insurance - Bylaws

Events and Special Uses Wales 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 12, 2026 Flag of Wales

Introduction

Organising festivals or street markets in Cardiff, Wales requires coordination with the council and appropriate insurance cover to use public land or obtain licences. This guide explains what organisers should check, how to obtain public liability and other event insurance, how to present evidence to Cardiff Council, and practical steps to reduce enforcement risk for temporary events and markets.

What insurance is typically required

Cardiff Council expects event organisers and stallholders to hold public liability insurance and relevant policies for activities that present risk to members of the public. Required cover types may include public liability, employer liability, participant injury, product liability and cancellation insurance depending on the event scale and activities.

  • Public liability insurance: evidence of cover for the event and certificate of insurance.
  • Employer liability insurance: where staff or volunteers are employed.
  • Product liability: for food vendors and traders selling goods.
  • Event-specific covers: cancellation, adverse weather, equipment loss where relevant.
Check the council event guidance early to know what certificates to present.

Permissions, permits and where insurance fits

Before the event, confirm whether the activity needs a permit for use of public land, a market pitch licence, or a street trading consent. The council will usually ask for an insurance certificate as part of the application or booking confirmation. Submit insurance documents with your event management plan and risk assessment to the relevant council team.

Applications & Forms

Common application items for Cardiff events include: an event application or site booking for council-owned parks/streets, a street trading or market pitch licence where applicable, and any temporary activities licence. Specific form names and fees are published by Cardiff Council; where a specific form or fee is not stated in council guidance, it is not specified on the cited page and organisers should contact the council for current details.

  • Event application/booking: submit with risk assessment, site plan and insurance certificate.
  • Street trading or market pitch application: required for commercial stalls occupying public highways or designated market areas.
  • Deadlines: apply early; lead-in times vary by site and scale, so check with the council.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of insurance and permit conditions for events in Cardiff is carried out by Cardiff Council operational teams, including licensing, events or regulatory services, and by officers responsible for the specific landholding. Where organisers or traders fail to hold required insurance or operate without required licences, the council may take enforcement action.

  • Fines: specific monetary penalties for operating without insurance or a permit are not specified on the council guidance pages and are therefore not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first-offence, repeat or continuing offences and licence suspensions are handled according to the council's regulatory procedures; exact escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop activities, removal of unauthorised stalls, suspension or revocation of permits, and court action where required.
  • Enforcer and complaints: the relevant Cardiff Council licensing or events team enforces conditions; use the council contact or complaints pages to report non-compliance.
  • Appeals: appeal or review routes follow statutory licensing or council review procedures; specific time limits for appeal should be confirmed with the council, and if not listed on the guidance page they are not specified on the cited page.
If a specific penalty or fee is critical for your event decision, request written confirmation from the council before proceeding.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Operating without required public liability insurance: likely requirement to cease trading or leave site until proof is provided.
  • Failing to submit risk assessment or event management plan: event may be refused or subject to conditions.
  • Breaches of food safety/market trading rules: enforcement by environmental health with possible notices or prosecution.

Practical action steps for organisers

  • Plan early: contact the council about site booking and permit requirements as soon as the event concept is confirmed.
  • Confirm required covers: ask the council which policies and minimum limits are required for your specific event.
  • Obtain evidence: get an insurer-issued certificate of public liability insurance and any relevant endorsements naming Cardiff Council if requested.
  • Submit complete application: include insurance certificate, risk assessment, site plan and traffic or stewarding details.
  • Pay any fees and keep receipts and confirmation emails for your records.
A council may require organisers to name the authority as an interested party or additional insured on the policy; confirm this requirement in writing.

FAQ

Do I need public liability insurance to run a market stall in Cardiff?
Yes, organisers and many stallholders are normally required to hold public liability insurance; confirm the exact requirement with Cardiff Council for your site and event.
How much public liability cover do I need?
The specific minimum insurance limit required for events or markets in Cardiff is set by the council per event type and is not specified on the general guidance pages; contact the council for the required limits for your event.
Who enforces event insurance requirements?
Cardiff Council's licensing, events or regulatory teams enforce compliance and handle reports of unlicensed or uninsured activity.

How-To

  1. Contact Cardiff Council early to confirm whether your event requires a site booking, street trading consent or market licence and ask which insurance documents are required.
  2. Prepare an event risk assessment and event management plan addressing public safety, stewards, welfare, first aid and traffic management.
  3. Obtain public liability insurance from a UK insurer, request a certificate of insurance and any endorsements the council requires.
  4. Complete and submit the relevant council application or booking form with the insurance certificate, risk assessment and site plan before the stated deadline.
  5. Pay any application or pitch fees and retain all confirmation details; be ready to present insurance proof on site during the event.
  6. If refused or fined, use the council's published appeal or review routes and supply evidence of compliance or mitigation.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check Cardiff Council requirements early and provide insurer-issued certificates with your application.
  • Submit a full risk assessment and event plan to reduce the chance of permit refusal or enforcement.

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