Markets Apply to hold a market or fair

You must have permission from us if you want to hold a market in Manchester. This is called a 'Markets Rights Licence'.

We count a market as a group of five or more trading spaces, such as stands, vehicles or pitches, including:

  • car boot sales
  • table-top sales
  • exhibitions
  • fairs
  • markets on private or public land
  • markets where proceeds are for charity, and
  • markets that are part of wider or special events, such as a festival, fete, concert, or fairground. 

Before you apply, you should check: the Market Rights policy, and other permissions you might need. You must be 18 years old to apply.

You must apply for your licence at least 21 days before the date of your market. For some markets it may take longer to process your application. 

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