Exeter Christmas Lights Switch On

Come and visit Exeter for a magical time for all the family this festive season.

The highlight of the shopping experience this Christmas in Exeter is bound to be the ever popular Christmas Lights Switch-On - this year sited in Princesshay Square.

There will be wonderful decorations in Princesshay, the Guildhall Shopping Centre, the Harlequins indoor shopping centre and, thanks to the support of some generous local businesses, a display in Exeter’s High Street.

The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Stella Brock will officially switch on the lights on Thursday 24th November, which will coincide with the start of late night shopping until 9pm across the city centre.

Princesshay will host the light switch on event in the main square with a programme of community entertainment and local stars performing from 5.30pm until the button is pushed at 6.30pm to herald in the Christmas spirit across the city centre.

The seasonal excitement will be generated with help from Heart Exeter’s Breakfast presenters Matt and Caroline, Just 4 funk break dancers, the Fox King Dance School and Mama Stone’s amazing house band. You will also have a chance to see stars from the Barnfield’s Cinderella pantomime, and the newly crowned Faces of Exeter’s Princesshay.

Approximately timings for main stages in Princesshay Square:

5.30pm Welcome from the Mayor
5.35pm Fox Hill Dance Academy
5.45pm Mark Tyler - Patron for Families for Children charity
5.48pm Jas from Roll with Dice performing the Adoption Song
5.52pm Presenters from Heart meet the cast of Cinderella
5.45pm Entertainment from the cast of Cinderella
5.58pm Introducing the new Faces of Exeter's Princesshay - Hannah Groves and Jake Griffiths
6pm Just 4 Funk live performance
6,05pm Heart Exeter presenters and Crealy Bear
6.08pm Entertainment from cast of Cinderella
6.12pm Matt and Caroline interview Kirstie Mills
6.27pm Lord Mayor and guests with the Light Switch-On Countdown
6.30pm Lights Switch-On followed by Mama Stone's House Band 45 minute live set.

7.15pm Acoustic performances from Mama Stones House acts on top of double decker bus.
8.00pm Exeter Little Theatre Company from Jack and the Beanstalk
8.30pm Club Classics from radio station Heart Exeter.

A special synthetic skating rink and lovely Christmas Tree will be located in Princesshay Square for the switch-on night. The rink will return to the city again for the school holidays from 12th – 31st December to give everyone a chance to get fit for Christmas!

In Eastgate Square, near Topshop, Families for Children - this year's supported adoption charity for ExeterFM - will be promoting the vital work they do in the community and giving people the chance to have their picture taken with a Formula1 Car in return for a small donation.

Well known local musician and busker Jerri Hart will be performing in the Guildhall Shopping Centre (www.jerrihart.com) playing and singing music to get everyone in the right seasonal spirit.

There will also be lots of Christmas shopping and gift opportunities within the special areas of Exeter's independent stores in Gandy Street, Magdalene Road, and Fore Street, as well as Christmas markets in Fore Street, Castle Street, High Street and Sidwell Street on certain days.

Late night shopping and other events:

Other late night-shopping dates will be 1st, 8th and 15th December with Exeter’s Heart Angel’s team running a competition to win a shopping voucher.

Every Thursday and at weekends Princesshay will be hosting a variety of different groups to entertain shoppers including the Devon County Junior Choir, Exeter University’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society, The Lympstone Brass Band, the Big Noise Choir.

A highlight during the build-up to Christmas is bound to the wonderful processional Exeter Nativity - telling the story of the true meaning of Christmas with a modern twist as it works its way through the High Street and ending the Cathedral.

Why not visit for shopping and also see a show? Exeter also has some wonderful shows for all the family happening over Christmas at the various entertainment venues around the city centre. You might even see Santa in his Grotto or see real huskys in the Guildhall Shopping Centre!

Details of all these and other Christmas events can be found on this website.

For more information visit about everything that is happening in Exeter during November and December visit:

www.exetershopping.org
www.princesshay.com
www.harlequinsexeter.co.uk
www.guildhallshoppingexeter.co.uk

For public transport enquiries (including park and ride services) call Traveline 0871 200 2233
www.traveline.info

or telephone Exeter Visitor Information and Tickets on 01392 665700

Dates

Exeter - Christmas Lights Switch On 24/11/2011

 Facilities

Provider Preferences

• In town/city centre
• Indoor Event
• Outdoor Event

Parking & Transport

• On Bus Route

Specialist Features

• Family Fun