Exeter City Centre Christmas Lights switch-on postponed

Exeter City Council and Princesshay have announced that they are having to postpone the Exeter Christmas Lights Switch On event scheduled for this evening, due to the exceptional weather circumstances and the safety of spectators and participants.

The event has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Friday 23rd November from 4.30pm in Princesshay Square. Live entertainment will feature on stage from 4.30pm, with the lights being switched on collectively by the Lympstone Military Wives Choir and Michael Caines at 6.15pm. Visitors will be able to enjoy continuous entertainment through to 8pm in Princesshay including live bands as well as the launch of Exeter’s Christmas Market on the Cathedral Green from 6.30pm.

John Harvey, Exeter City Centre Manager said, “We’ve had to take the decision to cancel as the weather forecast is just too wet and windy to continue safely. It’s disappointing for all those that have worked so hard to put the event and programme of entertainment together but we hope everyone will join us tomorrow night to celebrate the countdown to Christmas.”

He told The Exeter Daily, "Late night opening starts tonight as planned, but the winds are strong now and more rain is forecast for this afternoon, so although the weather might ease off this evening it is not safe for the preparations needed to get everything ready. Lights on the High Street wil go on as sheduled, but the official switch on will follow the same format as had been planned for today. Live entertainment will feature on stage from 4.30pm, with the lights being switched on by the Lympstone Military Wives Choir and Michael Caines at 6.15pm. 

"We are hoping that the crowds will also stick around for the launch of the Christmas Market on Cathedral Green, which launches tomorrow at 6.30pm"

The Guildhall is planning to go ahead with its Christmas Lights switch on see here for further details.