Exeter Christmas lights switch on

Hundreds of people are expected to watch Exeter's Christmas lights being switched on this evening (Thursday 19 November 2015).

Heart Radio’s breakfast presenters Matt and Caroline will kick start the evening's activities at 4pm on stage in Princesshay with a festive programme of entertainment from local artists and performers.

The line-up includes the Exeter University Jazz Orchestra, pantomime performances from Wonder Productions and Pinhoe Pantomime cast and the gorgeous sounds of the Exeter Universities A-Capella groups. The Heart Angels will be on the ground greeting visitors and shoppers and handing out free Christmas treats and giveaways including Reindeer antlers and xylo bands.

Michael Caines MBE and Tony Rowe OBE who have recently been awarded the freedom of city will switch on the city centre’s Christmas lights at 6.30pm, together with the city’s rising stars Sound of the Sirens who will also be performing in the lead up to the big switch on event.

Shoppers can expect a different festive feel from previous years with a more traditional lighting scheme and new areas and walkways illuminated for the first time.

As well as thousands of twinkly LED lights including stunning light canopies and hanging chandeliers, light projection will also form part of the decoration together with beautiful Christmas tree centre pieces, a walk through lit up bauble structure and two illuminated polar bears.

Visitors will be able to have photographs taken inside a new, giant snowglobe located at the lower end of Bedford Street. 10% of all proceeds from this will be donated to Princesshay’s charity of the year Age UK Exeter.

The Christmas lights switch on event marks the start of late night shopping in the city with shops open until 9pm every Thursday until Christmas.

Princesshay’s Charity Christmas Tree Festival will begin on Friday 20th November to bring some festive cheer to Princesshay’s Roman Walk.

Thirty-five Christmas trees will be decorated by 35 different local charities to help raise awareness and money over the festive period. Now in its third year, the Charity Christmas tree Festival lights will be switched on by the Lord Mayor of Exeter at 5.30pm.