Stagecoach SW sponsors Exeter’s lights switch on event
Stagecoach South West has confirmed it is the headline sponsor of this year’s Exeter Christmas lights switch-on, due to be held in the city centre on 17 November.
The annual event attracts people from across the region and this year marks the first to be organised by Exeter’s Business Improvement District (BID).
Hosted by Radio Exe favourites Ashley Jeary, Ben Clark and Chris Dinnis, there will be a fun and festive programme of entertainment throughout the city centre from 4pm onwards. The event also marks the unveiling of a new lighting scheme that, due to popular demand, is being switched on by representatives from the Fire Service, following their heroic efforts to contain the recent fire on Cathedral Green.
Craig Bulley, Chief Executive Officer of Exeter BID commented: “I’m delighted to have Stagecoach on board as our main sponsor and can’t wait to unveil the new look lighting scheme for the city.”
Bob Dennison, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, added: “It’s great to be involved in this year’s switch on. Following recent events it’s important to show Exeter is open for business this Christmas and I look forward to us doing our bit by bringing shoppers straight to the heart of the city.”
On the night of the switch on, Exeter High Street will be closed from 1800 for two hours with city buses using diversionary routes for the duration of the closure. Customers are advised to check www.stagecoachbus.com for full details and download the new Stagecoach app to help plan their journeys.
From 17 November until Christmas Stagecoach will be running additional Thursday evening journeys on the Honiton Road (Red) Park & Ride. These will leave Paris Street at 2110, 2140 and 2210.
Gates at both Honiton Road and Sowton (Blue) Park & Ride sites are open to midnight every night of the week with later evening connections from the city centre available on the 4 (Honiton Road) and 9/9A (Sowton) bus services.
Matford (Green) Park & Ride will continue to close at the normal time of 1930.
Stagecoach’s local network of buses also runs late into the evening and visitors are encouraged to use public transport to help alleviate Christmas shopping congestion.
Visit www.stagecoachbus.com or search ‘Stagecoach bus’ and download the app from the Apple and Android stores. For service updates on the go, follow Stagecoach on Twitter @stagecoachsw.
For more information about the BID and the lights switch on please visit: www.inexeter.com/christmasstartshere/
