Exeter gets festive with Christmas lights switch-on in Princesshay

Princesshay will host the city centre’s Christmas lights switch-on event on Thursday 21st November 2013 from 4pm – 8pm.

The Christmas lights ceremony will see Rob Baxter, Exeter Chiefs Head Coach; Paul Tisdale, Manager of Exeter City Football Club and members of the Lympstone Military Wives Choir taking centre stage to jointly switch on the city centre’s Christmas lights at 6.30pm. Joining them on stage will be the Lord Mayor of Exeter.

Visitors and shoppers to Princesshay will be treated to a festive programme of entertainment throughout the event. The Princesshay stage will light up with musical acts including the Exeter University Jazz Orchestra, South West Music Academy and the Lympstone Military Wives Choir.

Bethany Rose Harrison, runner-up on the BBC TV dance contest ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, will be performing on stage with her partner and Britain’s Got Talent’s semi-finalist Billy George in a spectacular acrobatic and dance routine not to be missed!

Barclay Beales, self-taught yodeller who made it through to the judges houses on hit TV show X Factor will also be treating crowds to a live performance following the big switch on. Heart Radio’s breakfast presenters Matt and Caroline will be the main comperes of the event, while the Heart Angels will be on the ground greeting visitors and shoppers and handing out free festive treats and giveaways together with information on Princesshay’s brand new gift card, the perfect present this Christmas. The MS Society, Land Securities’ charity of the year, will also be doing a collection on the night.

Wayne Pearce, Princesshay Centre Director comments, “We have more events and activity than ever before this Christmas and hope shoppers enjoy the festive entertainment and treats we have in store for them when they visit. With a mix of over 60 shops and restaurants including big brands Apple, Debenhams and Next plus all the latest fashion, jewellery, beauty, gifts and homewares, we think Princesshay is the perfect destination to shop, dine and socialise this Christmas.

“The festivities on 21 November mark the start of late night shopping, with stores staying open until 9pm every Thursday until 19 December. New for this year is a special Christmas Shopping Event in Princesshay on Thursday 28 November from 5pm–9pm. As part of this event, shoppers will have the chance to enjoy pop up fashion shows, free gift wrapping stations and the opportunity to redeem exciting Christmas treats when spending over £10 in the Princesshay.

Princesshay style spotters and photographers will be out capturing Exeter’s fashionistas as well as giving free fashion and gift advice throughout the event. Shoppers will also have the chance to enter competitions to win a Princesshay gift card as well as finding gift inspiration on display throughout the centre.

Princesshay’s Christmas celebrations will also see the centre collaborating with Radio Exe in its Operation Christmas campaign. Operation Christmas encourages shoppers to buy an extra gift this festive season which will be donated to Princesshay’s local charity of the year, WESC Foundation.

Other Princesshay Christmas Events include: