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—and 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: 5:30–8:00 pm
- Saturday, Dec. 6th: 8:00–9:30 am
- Final confirmation will be sent closer to the date
- Payment
- Accepted via cheque or e-transfer
- An invoice from LokoBuzz will be sent upon acceptance
Vendor Application Information
Please read the instructions below before starting your application. The login information is included in the document section. 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)
- Submit the page of your policy that names:
James Bay Market Society c/o 547 Michigan Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 1S5 - Important: Do NOT obtain insurance until after you’re accepted into the Dickens Fair
- Submit the page of your policy that names:
- 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
To apply for the Dickens Fair, you’ll need to register and submit your application through LokoBuzz (link below). Here’s how:
- Go to the LokoBuzz website.
- Click the green “Become a Vendor” button (just below the map).
- Select the Dickens Fair 2025 Application to begin.
Account Required: You’ll need to create an account and set a password with LokoBuzz. Make sure to save your login info for future access. Already have a LokoBuzz account? Just log in with your existing email and password.
Don’t see the application? Click the Markets tab at the top of the LokoBuzz homepage, then select the Dickens Fair logo. From there, choose the Dickens Fair 2025 Application from the dropdown menu.
Membership Fee: If you’re not already a 2025 member of the James Bay Market Society, your application must include the $10 Fall Membership fee.
NOTE: You can stop your application anywhere in the process and save it till a later time.
Jury 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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