Dickens Fair – Vendor Information
The 2025 Dickens Fair Holiday Market is Happening on Saturday, December 6th from 10-4pm!
This long-running community favourite is the perfect place to showcase your handmade, homemade, or homegrown creations to a festive and enthusiastic crowd.
Interested in Joining Us as a Vendor?
Whether you’re a returning vendor or applying for the first time, we’re looking for passionate artisans, foodies, and makers ready to bring the holiday magic to life.
Applications open on June 15th, and spots fill up quickly—so don’t wait to apply! Let’s make this year’s Dickens Fair the most joyful one yet.
Everything you need to apply is listed below, so be sure to have your details ready before you begin.
Products for Sale at the Dickens Fair
All items sold at the Dickens Fair must be handmade, homemade, or homegrown on Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands. All products must be significantly transformed from their original state. We carefully review each new vendor’s products to ensure they meet these standards.
When filling out your application, please include plenty of detail about your products and how you make them. This helps us during the jury process and also allows us to better understand your work.
You’ll also see a Marketing Statement section on the application—this is your chance to shine! We use this information to help promote selected vendors on our social media and other marketing platforms, so be sure to write something engaging and true to your brand.
A non-refundable $20 review fee is required and payable at the time of your review. Reviews are by appointment only, and we’ll contact you directly to schedule your time.
Key Vendor Info for the 2025 Dickens Fair
- Location: James Bay Community Centre, 140 Oswego Street, Victoria
- 2025 Vendor Fees
- Regular Vendors: $110
- Alcohol Vendors: $175
- Membership Fee: $10 (James Bay Market Society, unless you’re already a 2025 member)
- Space & Setup
- Each vendor space: 3 x 8 feet
- Includes 1 eight-foot table and 1 chair (request up to 2 chairs on your application)
- Let us know if you don’t need a table (e.g., you have a racking system)
- We prefer vendors to use our tables for streamlining setup/takedown
- No half spaces available
- All displays (including signage) must fit within your space
- Presentation Guidelines
- Table coverings not provided
- Please bring a floor-length table covering for a clean, professional look
- No heavy banners or items may be hung on the Centre’s walls
- Set-Up Times
- Friday, Dec. 5th: time to be announced
- Saturday, Dec. 6th: time to be announced
- Final confirmation will be sent closer to the date
- Payment
- Upon acceptance, you will receive an invoice from LokoBuzz with all the payment details
- Accepted payments are via cheque or e-transfer
Vendor Application Information
Please read the instructions below before starting your application. To make your application process smooth and successful, please have the following ready before you begin:
Required Documents
- Photos (for Social Media)
- 4 high-quality images of your products
- JPEG (JPG) format only
- Images must be clear and enlargeable without becoming blurry
- Insurance (MANDATORY FOR ALL VENDORS)
- Once accepted, submit the pages of your policy that show:
- The James Bay Market Society, 547 Michigan St., Victoria, BC, V8V 1S5, as a place where you are insured to sell.
- Your policy contains at least $2Million Liability coverage
- Your insurance coverage dates
- Important: Do NOT obtain insurance until after you’re accepted into the Dickens Fair.
- Once accepted, submit the pages of your policy that show:
- Insurance Options:
- BCAFM Insurance (must be a member – $75):
bcfarmersmarket.org/insurance
Note: Does not cover body care products - Duuo Vendor Insurance (membership not required):
duuo.ca/vendor-insurance
- BCAFM Insurance (must be a member – $75):
- ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY VENDOR TYPE:
- Low-Risk Food Vendors
- Food Safe or Market Safe certificate
- High-Risk Food Vendors
- Food Safe or Market Safe certificate
- Island Health documentation as required (e.g. Catering Permit, Commercial Kitchen Inspection, IH Product Approval)
- Unsure what’s required? Call Island Health: 250-519-3401 or visit their website: Island Health Food Safety.
- Canners
- Food or Market Safe certificate
- PH Certificates for all product
- Island Health Kitchen Inspection (if high PH products)
- Letter from Island Health approving product for sale
- Soap/Body Products Vendors
- CNF numbers for each product
- Spirit Vendors
- LCB Letter authorizing Dickens Fair sales
- “Serving It Right” certification for anyone working your booth
How to Apply for the Dickens Fair
All applications for the Dickens Fair must be submitted through LokoBuzz (link below). Here’s how to get started:
- Visit the LokoBuzz website.
- Click the green “Become a Vendor” button (just below the map).
- Select “Dickens Fair 2025 Application” from the list.
- Create a LokoBuzz account and password, or log in if you already have one. (Be sure to save your login info for future access.)
- To save your progress, click “Draft.” When you’re ready to apply, click “Submit” to send it to the Dickens Fair Committee.
Tip: If you don’t see the Dickens Fair application right away, go to the Markets tab at the top of the LokoBuzz homepage, click on the Dickens Fair logo, then select “Dickens Fair 2025 Application” from the dropdown menu.
Membership Requirement: If you’re not already a 2025 member of the James Bay Market Society, your application must include the $10 Fall Membership Fee.fee.
How to Edit and Submit Your Dickens Fair Application
To update or finalize your application, log in to your LokoBuzz account and follow these steps:
- Go to Vendor Tools > Application
- Select 2025 Dickens Fair Application
- Click Edit (top right corner) to update your form
- Click Draft to save and return later
- When you’re ready, click Submit to send it to the Dickens Fair Committee for review
Make sure to hit Submit—applications left in Draft won’t be processed!
Review Process
The Dickens Fair Committee will review your application and products. Please Note: If your products are approved, this does not yet confirm your participation as a vendor.
You will receive an invoice from LokoBuzz once you are officially accepted as a Dickens Fair Vendor. This invoice will include all payment details required to secure your spot.
If you have any questions or problems with your application, just email us at dickens@jamesbaymarket.com or leave a voicemail at 250-381-5323 and we will assist you.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Vendor for this year’s Dickens Fair. We look forward to seeing your Application!
The Dickens Fair Committee for 2025
Deadline for applications is July 25th. No refunds for cancellation.
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