Businesses behind Exeter’s Christmas lights announced

Dec. 12, 2011 - PRLog -- The businesses that saved Exeter’s Christmas lights have been announced.

In jeopardy due to the current economic climate and Council budget cuts, businesses across the City have rallied together, raising tens thousands of pounds to ensure the lights went ahead.

A special thanks must be given to Tony Rowe, Chairman of South West Communications and Gabriel Wondrausch of SunGift Solar for their major contributions in both money and expertise, as well as the City’s leading newspaper the Express and Echo.

A cross section of independent and national businesses also answered the call to save the Christmas lights including the, House of Fraser, McGahey The Tobacconist, Marks & Spencer, JJB Sports, Early Learning Centre, Triumph, Waterstones, Boots ,  Paperchase, Greggs, Sony Centre, GAP, Nickleby’s, H&M Hennes, Musto, Specsavers, Santander, HSBC, Urban Outfitters, Republic, Costa and Tesco Metro. Additional funding support has also been provided by Exeter City Council.

The result will be the official Christmas lights switch on party this Thursday from 5.30pm in Princesshay Square, which will mark the start of the City’s Christmas time celebrations where residents and shoppers alike can look forward to hundreds of Festive events across the City throughout December.  Unlike previous years there will not be any fireworks but the evening will feature a wide selection of entertainment on the night from 5.30pm up to 9pm.

Families are in for a fantastic time with no less than seven pantomimes across the City’s theatres, as well as a skating rink in Princesshay Square, the Santa Fun Run, the Guildhall’s Santa Grotto and some friendly donkeys from the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.

For a truly traditional Christmas experience, the City’s thousand year old Cathedral will be holding a diverse range of carol concerts, Nativities and Christingle services during December. Events include the National Trust Concert; Exeter Philharmonic Choir ‘Carols in the Cathedral’; Christmas with the Cathedral Choir; Exeter Nativity; Lunchtime Carols for City Workers.

The much anticipated re-opening of Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) on Thursday 15 December is another event sure to capture the imagination, showcasing the collections that have helped RAMM become one of Britain’s finest regional museums.

Shoppers looking for handcrafted gifts and products should visit the Exeter Farmers Market and Real Food Store, not to mention the regular Christmas craft, gift and produce markets, while tucked away among more than 300 specialist and independent shops are some of region’s best restaurants and bars, perfect for a pre-concert drink or dinner.

A whole host of snug cafes also provide the perfect excuse to regroup before visiting shops in Gandy Street and Fore Street for some brilliant gift ideas including antiques, vintage clothes, stylish boutiques, beads and buttons, surf boards and suits, galleries and crafts of all ranges.

All of the Festive events and experiences in the run up to Christmas are detailed here www.heartofdevon.com/christmas

ENDS
For more information contact Lex Thornely at The Marketing Department on 01392 459556 or email lex.thornely@mdepartment.co.uk / www.mdepartment.co.uk

Images:  A wide selection of high-resolution images are available

Notes to editors

About the Heart of Devon
Heart of Devon is the area tourism partnership promoting East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon and parts of Teignbridge to regional and national audiences. The main aim of the company is to increase the number of day visits, short breaks, longer holidays and business trips to the Heart of Devon for the benefit of the local tourism economy. Heart of Devon works with Visit Devon, the Destination Management Organisation for Devon, in the promotion of Heart of Devon.

Heart of Devon is run and guided by a Board of Directors, which includes 6 non-elected and 5 elected board directors, it is a private-public company limited by guarantee and not for profit. Heart of Devon is a membership organisation and income received goes 100% into marketing activity – ensuring all revenue is put back into marketing initiatives to promote Heart of Devon.  Other funding sources are through advertising income and a local authority grant.

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