Festival Catering Essentials
Festival Catering Essentials.
Festival Season is Here: Is Your Catering Kit Up to the Job?
Food festivals are back in full swing across the UK — from local street food markets to multi-day countryside feasts. For mobile caterers, this season offers a powerful platform to reach thousands of hungry customers. But the reality of outdoor trading is fast-paced, high-pressure, and fiercely competitive.
That’s why your equipment matters more than ever. Whether you’re operating from a food truck, market stall, or festival pitch, your kit needs to be compact, dependable, and capable of keeping up with non-stop service.
Festival-Fit Catering Equipment
Here’s a handpicked selection of equipment that earns its place in any mobile catering setup:
LPG Countertop Fryer
Model: VanSmart 650 Twin Tank, 2 Basket, 2 x 8L
Why it works: This powerful LPG fryer delivers serious output without needing mains power. Twin 8L tanks with dual baskets allow you to run different items simultaneously — from chips and halloumi to chicken bites and vegan fritters. Fast heat-up and recovery make it ideal for high-footfall festival service.
Gas Griddle / Flat Top
Model: HOSTY 3 Burner LPG Combo Chargrill with Flat Plate
Why it works: Serve up everything from stacked burgers to loaded wraps with this versatile combo unit. A flat plate on one side and open chargrill on the other gives you menu flexibility, while three powerful burners ensure consistent heat across the surface. Built to handle big orders in small spaces.
Portable Bain Marie
Model: ACE 4 Pot Square Wet Bain Marie with Tap & Lids
Why it works: Designed for gentle, consistent holding, this wet heat bain marie is perfect for sauces, pulled meats, beans, and curries. It’s compact, easy to fill and drain thanks to the integrated tap, and ideal for pre-prepped dishes that need to stay hot and ready throughout the day.
Water Boiler
Model: HOSTY AGB25 Water Boiler, 25L – LPG GAS
Why it works: Serve tea, coffee, or hot food prep water without a mains connection. This 25L LPG gas boiler heats quickly and runs independently of the grid — perfect for mobile coffee vans, dessert stalls, or any setup needing a reliable hot water source.
Triple Head Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine
Model: HOSTY Triple Head Countertop Ice Cream Machine
Why it works: Summer events call for soft serve — and this 13amp plug-and-play machine delivers three flavours from a compact footprint. With high-capacity hoppers, rapid freeze-down, and simple controls, it keeps queues moving and profits high even on the busiest afternoons.
Counter Fridge / Undercounter Storage
Model: Graded Koldbox KXCC2 Double Door Counter Fridge
Why it works: This robust two-door counter fridge combines cold storage with usable prep space. The stainless top doubles as a work surface, while internal shelving keeps ingredients fresh and compliant. Built with festival constraints in mind — compact, sturdy, and efficient.
Festival-Ready Practicalities
- Power & fuel: Check amp ratings and LPG requirements for each unit well in advance.
- Shelter & space: You’ll need overhead cover and room for airflow, prep, and movement — even in a small trailer.
- Clean-down: Opt for stainless steel units and removable parts that make post-service hygiene quick and easy.
Maximise Your Summer Trading
The right catering kit can help you serve more customers, reduce downtime, and keep your menu consistent all day long. Whether you’re frying, brewing, chilling or grilling — we’ve got the gear to help your setup perform under pressure.
Summer’s heating up. Is your kitchen ready?