Trader Information

Thank you for your interest in trading at Canterbury Christmas Market. We’re delighted that you are considering joining us and becoming part of Kent’s biggest festive market, held over 43 days.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about applying for a trader pitch.

Event Details

Event: Canterbury Christmas Market
Dates: November 12th to December 24th
Location: Three separate areas; Whitefriars, St George’s St and the Canterbury Cathedral precincts
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 10-6, Sat 9-7, Sun 10-5

Our Christmas Market brings together a festive mix of visitors looking to enjoy a magical seasonal experience, shop for unique gifts and treats, and soak up the atmosphere of the Christmas season.

With a strong focus on supporting quality local independent businesses, artisan makers and carefully selected traders, the market offers visitors the opportunity to discover something a little different from the usual high-street shopping experience.

From handmade gifts and festive decorations to delicious food, drink and seasonal treats, our visitors come ready to browse, shop and enjoy everything the market has to offer.We aim to create a vibrant and varied trader line-up, giving businesses the opportunity to showcase their products to an engaged audience during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.

Who Can Apply?

We welcome applications from traders offering gifts and gift produce, especially festive and seasonal offerings. We rarely have food pitches available and never have bar pitches available. To ensure a good variety for our visitors, we may limit the number of traders selling similar products. We do not offere exclusivity in any area.

Please note: Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.

Pitch Options & Prices

We offer a large number of trading options, ranging from 7 days to 43 days, in a variety of hut options. Some examples are:

• Spaces in multi trader huts
• Undercover table space
• Shared trading huts
• Individual huts 8-20ft width

Please contact us for a full stallholder booking pack.

What’s Included?

Your trader booking includes:

• Internal lights
• External garland and fairy lights
• Waste
• Security
• Power for additional lights and phone/card charger
• Catering power available at an additional cost
• Event management support

Please ensure you bring any additional equipment required for your individual setup.

What You’ll Need to Provide

All traders must provide the following where applicable:

• Public Liability Insurance for £5m
• Employers’ Liability Insurance where appropriate for £10m
• Risk Assessment (food, drink and candle sellers)
• Gas Safety Certificate where appropriate
• Electrical PAT Testing Certificates• Fire Safety Equipment (high risk trades)
• Any relevant licences or permits

We will request copies of documentation before the event.

Please do not assume that you are fully confirmed until you have received written confirmation from the event organisers and an invoice.

Food & Drink Traders

If you are selling food or drink, please provide details of:

• Your menu and pricing
• Your food hygiene rating
• Your local authority registration
• Gas and electrical equipment being used
• Any allergen information
• Your power requirements

Pitch Allocation

Pitch locations will be allocated by the event organisers Rockhopper Events Ltd.

While we will always try to accommodate reasonable requests, specific pitch locations cannot be guaranteed.

Final pitch allocations will be confirmed 4 weeks before the market opening date.

Setup & Breakdown

Setup

All traders must be fully set up and ready to trade by Nov 12th 10am. The stallholder handbook will include each individual trader’s set up date and time.

Breakdown

Breakdown must not begin before 4pm on December 24th. Soft breakdown is allowed from 2pm. All traders must be dismantled by Dec 27th 5am.

Further arrival instructions, site maps and unloading information will be sent to confirmed traders before the event.

Vehicles & Parking

Parking is available for scheduled set-up, breakdown and restocking, but not for day-to-day operation.

Electricity & Power

Please ensure you provide accurate information about your power requirements when applying.

Generators are not permitted.

Gas bottles by prior agreement and the correct paperwork

Trader Conduct

We want Canterbury Christmas Market to be an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone.

All traders are expected to:

• Treat visitors, staff and fellow traders respectfully.
• Keep their pitch clean and tidy.
• Dispose of waste responsibly.
• Follow all health and safety requirements.
• Trade only within their allocated space.
• Comply with instructions from event staff and security.
• Avoid excessive noise, aggressive selling or behaviour that may negatively affect visitors or other traders.

The organisers reserve the right to remove any trader who fails to comply with event rules or creates a safety risk.

Cancellations & Refunds

If You Need to Cancel please notify us in writing as soon as possible. Please refer to our terms and conditions for Event Cancellation

In the unlikely event that Canterbury Christmas Market is cancelled, postponed or significantly altered, we will communicate with all booked traders as soon as possible.

How to Apply

To apply for a trader pitch, please start by completing the trader interest form below. You will need to include your name, contact details and a list of what you sell.

Please provide as much information as possible about your business and the products you intend to sell.

Important Information

Please read all trader information carefully before applying.

By submitting an application and accepting a trader pitch, you agree to comply with:

• Event Terms & Conditions
• Health & Safety Requirements
• Venue Rules
• Relevant Trading Regulations
• Any instructions issued by the event organisers

Canterbury Christmas Market and Rockhopper Events Ltd reserve the right to refuse applications or cancel bookings where necessary for operational, safety, non-payment or event-planning reasons.

Under no circumstances will unlicensed (fake) versions of branded products be accepted. You will be asked to leave immediately.

Recommend A Trader

If we accept a trader that you have recommended, then we will offer discounts on your pitch. We are especially looking for:

• Candle sellers
• Bakery
• Festive home fragrance / potpourri
• Wind chimes