Ways2Raise

What is it?

Hosting a Bonfire Night Snacks stall is a fantastic way for UK teenagers to raise funds during the popular seasonal celebration on 5th November. By selling tasty treats like toffee apples, roasted chestnuts, and hot chocolate, you tap into the festive spirit while offering something warm and delicious to party-goers. This idea is beginner-friendly, requiring minimal setup and capital, making it ideal for young fundraisers.

Why does it work?

Bonfire Night is a time when people are out enjoying events and looking for convenient, comforting snacks to enhance their experience. Selling popular seasonal treats meets this demand perfectly, encouraging impulse buys that add up quickly. The festive atmosphere also encourages generosity, making customers more willing to support your cause while enjoying your snacks.

What you'll need

Basic stall or table setup (folding table, tablecloth)
Cash float and cash box for handling money
Ingredients for snacks (toffee apples, roasted chestnuts, popcorn, hot chocolate sachets, marshmallows)
Cooking or warming equipment (portable stove or hot water urn, roasting pan or kettle)
Serving supplies (paper cups, napkins, disposable plates, gloves)
Permits or permissions if required by local council or event organisers
Posters or signs clearly showing prices and your fundraising cause

Step-by-step plan

1

Check if you need permission from the local council, event organiser, or landowner to set up a stall at your chosen Bonfire Night venue.

2

Plan your menu focusing on easily prepared and popular snacks like toffee apples, roasted chestnuts, and hot drinks. Calculate ingredient costs and prices to ensure profit.

3

Gather all equipment and ingredients in advance. Test any cooking or warming equipment at home to ensure it works smoothly.

4

Create eye-catching posters or signs that clearly state the prices and mention your fundraising cause to encourage purchases.

5

On the day, set up your stall in a visible spot with good foot traffic. Keep your area tidy and inviting to attract customers.

6

Serve customers quickly and politely, highlighting that the money goes towards your adventure trip. Keep a cash float handy and record sales to track earnings.

7

At the end of the event, count your takings, subtract costs, and thank everyone who supported you.

How to advertise it

Create colourful posters to place in local shops, community centres, and schools.
Use social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook to announce your stall and share your fundraising story.
Ask friends and family to spread the word to their networks.
Mention your stall at local community events leading up to Bonfire Night.

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers hosting a Bonfire Night Snacks stall can expect to raise between £40 and £100, depending on the location, footfall, and the variety of snacks offered.

Top tips

✅ Offer a small freebie, like a marshmallow with every hot chocolate, to delight customers and encourage repeat sales.

✅ Wear something bright or themed (like a festive jumper) to stand out and draw attention.

✅ Keep snacks pre-prepared where possible to speed up service during busy times.

✅ Be friendly and engage customers by sharing your fundraising goal—it makes them more likely to buy.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Not checking permission requirements beforehand, which can lead to being asked to leave.

⚠️ Underpricing snacks and not covering your costs, resulting in little or no profit.

⚠️ Not having enough change or cash float to manage transactions smoothly.