Open auditions held for performance spot at major city event

InExeter and Radio Exe hold open auditions for Christmas light switch on

InExeter and Radio Exe have teamed up to offer local singers and bands the chance to ‘Star InExeter’ and win a slot at this year’s Christmas light switch on event. Taking place on Thursday 16 November, the event attracts thousands of city residents and visitors who come together to celebrate the beginning of the festive season.

Professional staging will once again be erected in Princesshay Square with three hours of family friendly entertainment planned. The evening will be hosted by Radio Exe who will welcome special guests to the stage at 6.15pm to press the button that will switch on Exeter’s Christmas lights.

Star InExeter opened in October with bands and singers sending their audition pieces into Radio Exe. The organisers are also holding open auditions on Saturday 4 November at Exeter Phoenix at 11am. Patrick Cunningham of Exeter Phoenix and Ann Hunter, manager of Exeter BID and InExeter will be joined by Radio Exe presenter Ashley Jeary to judge the hopefuls.

Ashley said: “We’ve received some fantastic entries for Star InExeter so far and are looking forward to hearing more talented performers at the open auditions on 4 November. It’s a really exciting opportunity for a band or singer to win the chance to take to the stage on 16 November and play in front of thousands of people.”

This year, as last, InExeter has funded city-wide Christmas illuminations, lighting up many streets including Gandy Street, North Street, South Street, Fore Street, Paris Street and Sidwell Street. Illuminations will also light up the Cathedral Yard where this year’s new look Christmas Market, supported by InExeter, will open on Thursday 16 November.

As well as the Christmas lights switch on evening and city illuminations, InExeter is promoting a series of events hosted by its levy payers with a dedicated Christmas Guide. Visitors and residents of the city can pick up their free copy at the Visitor Information Centre or go online at www.inexeter.com to find out more about what is happening over the festive season.