By Phiwa Sikhondze
MTN Bushfire is inviting experienced vendors to apply to trade at the 18th edition of the MTN Bushfire International Festival of the Arts, taking place at House on Fire, Malkerns, from 30 May – 1 June 2025.
The festival offers an opportunity to cater to a diverse global audience of over 20,000 festivalgoers from over 55 countries.
The festival’s contribution to the creative economy is evident by the increase in trading revenue from E7.35m in 2023 to just over E9.5m in 2024.
A variety of specially curated trading environments offer opportunities for official traders to find their best fit, these include gourmet food, artisanal handmade crafts, and children’s and lifestyle services.
According to a press release issued by the Festival’s Communications Officer, Simon Dawson, applicants will be assessed on the basis of product quality and uniqueness, health, hygiene and safety procedures, trading experience, professional and experiential set-up as well as quality of customer service.
Dawson added that short-listed candidates may be asked to present their products and stall ideas at House On Fire before the close of applications.
Selected applicants will also be required to attend a Trader Workshop virtually or in person at House On Fire.
“Trader application forms are available online, through the MTN Bushfire website, www.bush-fire.com. Links to the application forms can also be found on MTN Bushfire social media platforms: @MTNBushfire on Facebook, Instagram, and X, as well as the MTN Bushfire channel on Ayoba. Applications received by other means will not be considered. Trader applications close on 31st January 2025 and final selections will be made by the 28th of February, 2025.”
“Aspiring applicants are highly encouraged to attend an information session, which will be held before the end of the year, to learn more about trading at the festival, the different festival trading environments and opportunities, as well as details on selection criteria. The date and time will be announced on MTN Bushfire social media platforms in due course,” Dawson concludes.