Get thee along to Exeter's Christmas Market
The Cathedral Green, at the heart of the city centre, has been brought to life by Exeter's first Christmas Market, with stalls offering unique, hand-made and unusual gifts, decorations and food items – everything needed for a perfect Christmas celebration and to create a real Christmas buzz at the heart of the city.
Although inspired by Continental Markets, 20 per cent of traders on the Exeter Christmas Market are based in Devon, offering the best of what Britain and the South West region has to offer – with a mix of great food, excellent crafts, unique gifts and decorations. The Exeter Daily went to talk to them about how they have found the Market so far.
Having opened on the same evening as the City Centre delayed Christmas Lights were switched on (23rd November), the Market saw a good number of people on the first night. The bad weather of the weekend meant things slowed off somewhat, but as the rain ceased, people have been coming to visit the Market in droves.
One of the best times to visit is late afternoon, early evening, as the twinkling lights set quite the Christmassy scene. And the different delicious aromas of food around every corner creates a wonderful winter wonderland setting for your Christmas shopping.
Gorgeous Gifts from Bovey Tracey was one of the earliest local traders to sign up, while Michelle Fielding (sister to broadcaster, producer and actress Yvette) from Torquay-based Silverzone said she had received some very positive feedback and her clothing range was going down very well. Meanwhile Craig Daniels and Lynn Archibald were attracting much interest with their recycled slate producs, from clocks to
The winner of Best Dressed Stall will be announced on the evening of 9th December.
To get the local communities involved, Exeter Christmas Market has been putting on educational tours for local schools. It is a perfect opportunity for youngsters to experience the different Continental foods as well as see the local crafts. So far the Market has received visits from Dawlish Primary School and the Cathedral School is due to visit this weekend. The school children are given maps of Devon, of Europe and of the World. If you would like to book a tour for your school, get in touch with Market Manager Nick Rhodes on info@marketplaceeurope.co.uk
Nick told The Exeter Daily, "Although it is a European-style market, we have really tried to use local companies where possible."
He points out that the toilets (of which there are an impressive number) are sourced locally, as are the majority of the cleaning staff, which are always on hand to ensure the Market remains in tip top condition.
The Market will run from Friday 23 November until Sunday 16 December: Mon - Wed, 10am - 8pm Thurs - Sat, 10am - 9pm Sun, 11am - 5pm
Other city markets:
Castle Street at ChristmasA series of small markets in the centre of Exeter offering a range of high quality gifts, craft and produce. Every Thursday (9am - 9pm), Friday (9am - 5pm) and Saturday (9am - 5pm) from 29 November until 22 December
Fore Street Christmas Gift MarketsYour chance to pick up that unusual Christmas Gift. Every Friday (9am - 5pm) and Saturday (9am - 5pm) from 30 November until 22 December
Guildhall Innovations Christmas MarketTickle your taste buds with the best Street Food in the South West - dishes under £5. An array of fabulous local traders selling an amazing choice of gifts and produce and a craft area where local crafters can sell and exhibit their creations. 29 November - 9 December, Guildhall Shopping centre
For further information on any market please contact Exeter City Council's Markets Department on 01392 665480.
