BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – Are you an experienced vendor? Grab a chance to be part of the vendors for this year’s MTN Bushfire Festival.
The festival will take place at House on Fire in the scenic Malkerns valley from 31st May – 2nd June.
MTN Bushfire invites experienced vendors to apply to trade at the 17th edition of the MTN Bushfire international festival of the arts. Trader application forms are available on the MTN Bushfire website, www.bush-fire.com, as well as MTN Bushfire social media platforms. The application closing date is 29 February 2024 and final selection will be made by 29 March 2024.
Opportunities exist in the MTN Bushfire Barn Marketplace, a curated space of unique handmade products. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of quality and uniqueness, creativity, experience, considered professional setup as well as quality of customer service.
When reached for comment Philippa Thorne, Marketplace Curator said, “We look for brands that are memorably creative and sustainably sourced that deliver quality products and services. This space is designed for the ethical consumer, with each company or artisan contributing in a positive way to the environment and their communities,” She went on to say, “We seek creative entrepreneurs with distinctive and beautiful designs, as well as those who bring diverse product offerings to our festival patrons.”
Due to the high number of applicants received only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an orientation workshop in person at House on Fire or virtually.
The MTN Bushfire Barn Marketplace looks for the following criteria:
• Unique, high-quality and locally or regionally hand-made products with a strong brand and USP
• Products handmade from recycled, natural and environmentally friendly materials
• Have a social or environmental mission
• Support youth or women’s empowerment
• Respect traditional culture and credit the artisans in their use of craft / motifs
• Offer a selection of products across different product categories to offer something for everyone in our audience
• We prioritize Swati made products and also have limited space for regional and African brands
In addition to the Barn Marketplace, you can also apply for:
• Food Vendor: The festival welcomes seasoned vendors with authentic quality cuisine. This includes ready to eat fresh produce, gourmet street food and artisanal beverages.
• Experiential Services: Applicants looking to enhance the festival experience for festival guests, including for children at the KidZone. e.g. fitness, yoga, face painting etc.
MTN Bushfire’s traders policies are inclusive, small business focused, and promote ethical and fair trade.
Traders are reminded that MTN Bushfire is a 100% cashless environment, using the NFC chips on festival wristbands for transactions. MTN Bushfire is committed to being an eco-friendly event and all traders are required to use eco-friendly packaging. For any queries relating to trading at the festival please email traders@bush-fire.com.
