Exeter Christmas Market opens this weekend

The team at the Exeter Christmas Market are all hands on deck in a final push to prepare the festive market for opening this Saturday on Cathedral Green.

After the recent fire which destroyed several historical buildings in Cathedral Yard, there was concern that the market may not have been able to go ahead. But thanks to the hard work of teams at Exeter City Council, Exeter Cathedral and Market Place (operators of the market) who worked closely with safety advisors, a safe and appropriate way forward was established.

This year’s market has a different layout than previous years to accommodate the area of Cathedral Green that is still closed to the public. Local businesses in the area have also been offered opportunities to trade and publicise themselves in an attempt to help them recoup some of their lost earnings. One of the businesses which will be joining the market in a chalet donated by Market Place is Gemstar, an independent jewellers who normally trade from a 750 year old building in the Cathedral Green area. Whilst their building was not damaged, it currently remains closed.

Nick Rhodes, Chief Executive of Market Place said: “We are delighted that the market is going ahead. It has certainly been an unexpected challenge to have had to reconsider the layout so close to opening. We were determined that as long as the safety officers and Council could approve new plans, we would bring our market to the city in a bid to encourage people to visit the Cathedral area not only to enjoy the market, but to support businesses which have been adversely affected by the recent fire.

“We also wanted to ensure that our new layout did not compromise the visitor experience and we are content that we have achieved a great alternative to the original.”

Also included in this year’s event will be a special chalet for the use of other independent traders in the Cathedral area who have been closed since the fire took place. This chalet will host a number of different retailers across the duration of the four week market.

Now in its fourth year in the city, the market, which opens on Saturday 19 November and attracts in excess of 450,000 visitors each year, includes 86 hand crafted wooden chalets, offers continental and local artisan products and two bars (serving a variety of continental beers and hot Glühwein and flavored ciders). This year in a special tribute to the spirit of the people of Exeter, the Devon flag will be used to dress parts of the market. Visitors can also enjoy what local crafters have to offer, pick up a warm winter coat all the way from Italy or a pair of cosy slippers from Lapland. There are a number of new stalls at the Market this year, including some new local offerings, for those who fancy a bit of luxury Snob Lobster is a must. Hygge up your home and ensure Dark winter evenings are brightened up with some of the handmade candles on offer.

Visitors can even climb into the back of a London cab for a festive picture in a truly unique location!! After all the excitement of visiting such a fun filled experience there is an opportunity take a pit stop, do a bit of people watching and enjoy the views of the historic Cathedral from the al fresco coffee area.

Catherine Escott, Head of Visitor Services at the Cathedral, said: “We would encourage people to make the extra effort to visit the area in the build up to Christmas and to support all the local businesses represented in the market and the surrounding retail outlets.”

The Pitch Perfect completion ran again this year and was open to businesses that have been trading for over six months but less than two years. The winner of this year’s Pitch Perfect competition was Amy Smallwood with her business Light and Beloved who will be selling an array of cushions, handcrafted decorations and a multitude of fun Christmas stocking fillers. Amy has been provided with a free chalet, business mentoring and PR opportunities, all of which will provide her with an invaluable opportunity to reach a huge new market and a great way to fast track her business development and growth.

With a host of famous faces often popping by to pick up some unique gifts, there’s never a dull moment at the Exeter Christmas Market. Join us this year to make this Christmas an Exeter special celebration of what local producers have to offer and lend a bit of support to local retail at the same time

For up-to-date information about the Christmas Market, follow the official Facebook page at Exeter Christmas Market.

The Market opens from Saturday 19 November to Sunday 18 December.

Opening hours are Monday – Wednesday 10 am to 7 pm; Thursday – Saturday 10 am – 9 pm and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm.