Rochester Christmas Market stallholder information

All bookings are subject to confirmation by us. We'll email you confirmation no later than 2 weeks after we received your application.

Applications will be checked for quality and suitability. We reserve the right to refuse any application for sale of goods which are not appropriate for this event or are oversubscribed.

Stallholders must have public liability insurance. Copies of this and other certifications such as food hygiene or gas safety certificates (where applicable) must be provided as part of the application process. If you do not provide these, it may mean your application is not considered or you are not able to trade on the day.

We do not offer exclusivity however careful consideration is given to the amount of similar trading stalls and the locations allocated to ensure all stalls have a successful trading period.

Pictures of goods for sale must be supplied as part of the application process (if requested).

The fee for each stall is set out on the stallholder locations and fees page. Additional stalls will be charged at multiples of these prices.

We reserve the right to cancel any booking as a result of non payment or false information.

The trader nor the council will be liable to the other for any delay or cancellation for the market due to a force majeure (acts, events, omissions, or non-events beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, riots, war, acts of terrorism, fire, flood, storm or earthquake and any disaster).

Stallholders must trade on every market day (dates shown on the stallholder information page) and must be set up and ready to trade 15 minutes prior to market opening time and remain open for the full duration of the market.

We'll allocate all stall locations but stall holders can request a preferred location.

Stallholders must use the stalls provided, own stalls are not permitted.

Stallholders must provide their own tables and display stands. Any displays and goods for sale must not exceed 1 meter outside of the designated pitch (excluding 2 and 3 December when all displays must be within the marquee). Any premium stalls must display within their marquee’s at all times.

We'll provide, as standard, one 4 way socket socket and standard lighting. Any additional power and lighting must be supplied by us and agreed at point of application and costs will be charged. Use of own generators is not permitted. Any additional power is subject to agreement and additional costs. 

Kettles and heaters for personal use are not permitted. We'll provide stallholders access to hot water.

All permitted electrical equipment must carry a valid PAT test certificate. The onsite electrician can test any equipment not carrying this on site. This will incur a small fee.

Stallholders must ensure that their stalls are adequately staffed at all times.

Stallholders must advertise the acceptance methods of payment, for example cash, card or both.

Stallholders are responsible for all the cash taken on their stall.

Stalls will be provided with a minimal amount of festival décor externally as part of the stall hire. Stallholders must try to dress their stalls in a festive manner in keeping with the Rochester Christmas Market.

Set up and dismantling must be carried out outside of the market opening hours. 

Vehicles may unload by their stall until 45 minutes before opening time. Vehicles must then be removed from the grounds to the designated car park. Details on parking will be sent with your information pack closer to the event start date. 

Vehicles will not be permitted back into the grounds until after the market has closed and event organisers have given authority to do so.

Vehicles are not permitted within the market area during market opening hours. 

Early departure on any trading day is not permitted. Early dismantling of stall on the final day of the market is not permitted.

We reserve the right to refuse admission of traders if proved necessary. Stallholders who do not act in an appropriate manner will be asked to leave.

Products offered for sale must be of good quality and fit for the purpose they are intended. Only goods stated on the application form can be offered for sale. The sale of counterfeit goods is strictly prohibited. Anyone thought to be selling counterfeit goods will be reported.

Amplified selling techniques and touting for business is not permitted.

Stallholders must ensure that their rubbish is kept neat and tidy during the day. All rubbish must be disposed of in the large waste bins provided at the end of each day. Any rubbish left by the stall may incur a charge. Large items such as pallets will not be accepted. Any cooking oils, or cooking oil containers will not be accepted and must be disposed of by the trader away from the event site.

We'll engage overnight security for the event. We advise stallholders to remove all cash and items of high value overnight. We do not accept liability for any losses.

We'll engage stewards and security during event operations to maintain public safety and crowd control. We do not accept liability for any losses.