FAQ'S

🕯️ CANDLE-MAKING WORKSHOPS

📍 Where & When

Workshops take place inside our Canterbury store — 20 Sun Street, CT1 2HX — right by the Cathedral. Each class lasts around 60–90 minutes depending on group size.

We run several sessions each week, and they fill fast, especially weekends. If your preferred date isn’t showing online, email hello@turnoffthelights.co.uk and we’ll try to work some wax magic.


💫 What’s Included (£55 pp)

• All materials to pour two full-sized soy candles in your choice of scent and vessel
• A welcome drink on arrival 
• Custom label printing and gift bag to take your creations home
• Full step-by-step guidance from our team — no experience needed


👯 Group Sizes & Age Policy

• The table seats 10 guests max, so every space counts — one seat = one maker.
• Workshops are designed for ages 12+. Each participant must have a paying seat as it is not possible to share workshop spaces or seats at the table.
• Under-16s must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Unfortunately, babies and prams aren’t permitted our space is cosy, with open flames and hot wax.


🪩 Workshop Rules & Etiquette

We love that our workshops feel relaxed and social, but we also want them safe and enjoyable for everyone. Please take a moment to read before booking:

WORKSHOP GUIDELINES

Our workshops are relaxed, creative and social, but we also want them safe and enjoyable for everyone. Please take a moment to read before attending.

Drinks

A welcome drink is included in your workshop experience, so there is no need to bring your own alcohol. We ask that all guests drink responsibly so we can maintain a comfortable and creative atmosphere.

Babies & Prams

For safety reasons, workshops are not suitable for babies or prams. We work with hot wax and open heat sources in a compact studio environment.

Footwear

Flat, enclosed shoes are recommended, as surfaces can occasionally become slippery during pouring.

Arrivals

Please arrive promptly at your scheduled start time. We often host back-to-back sessions with limited turnaround time. Guests arriving more than 30 minutes late may be unable to participate.

Studio Etiquette

We are a relaxed candle studio. Please be mindful of other guests and respectful of the shared creative space.

Toilets

We do not have customer toilet facilities on site. The nearest public facilities are located in Whitefriars Shopping Centre, M&S or Fenwick, all just a short walk away.

Personal Belongings

Space is limited, so we kindly ask that bags and coats are kept neatly stored. We cannot accept responsibility for personal items.

Finished Candles

Your candle will be set enough to take home with you the same day. Many guests choose to collect theirs later after shopping or lunch. Candles not collected within 14 days will be donated to charity.

Parking

Nearby parking includes St Radigunds and The Marlowe. For more affordable options, Canterbury Park & Ride or Sainsbury’s Kingsmead (via the JustPark app) are popular alternatives.

Cancellations & Transfers

Our cancellation and transfer policy applies in all circumstances. Please read below.  


💌 Booking, Cancellations & Vouchers

Bookings must be made in advance via our website. Walk-ins are accepted only if space allows.
Cancellations: Unfortunately we can’t offer refunds once booked.
Reschedules: One free transfer is available if requested at least 7 days before your workshop. Within 7 days, a £10 admin fee applies.
No-shows or late arrivals can’t be refunded or rescheduled. Workshop bookings cannot be cancelled, rescheduled, or transferred within 24 hours of the start time, as spaces cannot be reallocated at short notice.
Gift Vouchers: Do not expire but are subject to price change.

All candle workshop bookings are strictly non-refundable, regardless of circumstance. This includes accidental or incorrect bookings made by the customer, such as booking the wrong date, time, location, or number of spaces. This policy also applies if we need to make changes to a workshop, including rescheduling the date or time. By booking a workshop, you confirm that you have read and agreed to these terms. If a workshop is rescheduled by us within a reasonable timeframe, a gift voucher of equal value may be offered at our discretion for future use. Vouchers are non-refundable and subject to an expiry date.

 


🎁 Collecting Your Candles

You’ll take your finished candles home the same day, beautifully packaged and ready to enjoy.
If you can’t take them with you, we can hold them for up to 30 days free of charge. After that, any uncollected candles are donated.


🥂 Private & Corporate Bookings

We host everything from hen parties and birthdays to team socials.
Private sessions are available 10 guests (or more off-site).
For bespoke events, larger groups or brand collaborations, email hello@turnoffthelights.co.uk and we’ll create something special.


🕯️ CANDLE CARE & SAFETY

Because we know you’ll want every last flicker to last beautifully.

Before first burn
Trim your wick to ¼ inch and let the wax melt fully across the surface to prevent tunnelling.

While burning
• Keep candles on a flat, heat-resistant surface.
• Never burn for more than 2 hours at a time.
• Always remove decorative toppings (petals, fruit, crystals) before lighting.
• Keep away from drafts, curtains, and curious pets.
• Never leave a candle unattended.

After burning
• Stop burning when about ½ inch of wax remains.
• To clean your vessel, freeze overnight and pop out leftover wax. Wash with warm soapy water and reuse or refill.

Once your candles have been poured and decorated, they’re entirely your responsibility. We’ll guide you on safe-making practices, but the final design — including any toppings or decorations you choose to add — is up to you. We can’t be held liable for how your candles look, smell, or perform once they leave our studio. Please follow the safety instructions given during the workshop and those printed on your candle label before lighting.If you’ve added decorative items (like dried fruit, petals, glitter, etc.), remember these are for display only — remove them before burning.


🏪 SHOP INFORMATION

Address:
Turn Off The Lights, 20 Sun Street, Canterbury, CT1 2HX

Opening hours:
As a small independent studio, our hours can vary — especially during private events.
The most accurate times are always listed on Google and Instagram.

Accessibility:
Our shop is in a historic building with one small step at the entrance and narrow walkways.

Toilets:
There are no public toilets on-site. The nearest are in Whitefriars shopping centre or The Beaney.

Parking:
The nearest car parks are Whitefriars, St Radigunds, or Castle Street (all a 3–5 minute walk).

Dogs:
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the shop area.


💌 ONLINE ORDERS & RETURNS

Shipping:
We currently ship UK-wide using Royal Mail. All candles are made to order please allow 3 days for your order to be fulfilled and orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 working days from then. 

Returns:
We can accept returns within 14 days on unused candles in original packaging.
Personalised or used candles, as well as workshop tickets, are non-refundable.

Damages:
If something arrives damaged, please email a photo to hello@turnoffthelights.co.uk within 48 hours and we’ll sort it for you.


🤝 WHOLESALE, STOCKISTS & COLLABS

We love partnering with like-minded businesses.
If you’d like to stock our candles or create a custom scent or vessel, email hannah@turnoffthelights.co.uk with your ideas.


💬 STILL GOT QUESTIONS?

Pop us an email at hello@turnoffthelights.co.uk or message us on Instagram @turnoffthelightsofficial — we usually reply faster than a candle burns out.