Princesshay's Roman Walk is twinkling with festive cheer as the centre hosts its first Charity Christmas Tree Festival.
The festival, which aims to raise both awareness and funds for local charities, was opened with a celebratory light switch-on event by the Lord Mayor of Exeter.
Representatives from participating charities came along to see the 20 Christmas trees lit up. They have been donated by Land Securities for the festival and local and national charities have been invited to decorate them.
Each tree has a completely different look which will represent the charity that has decorated it. Visitors and shoppers now have the opportunity to donate money to their chosen charity. Princesshay's Christmas lights supplier, James Glancy Design, has donated the lights for the trees along with LED lights from Seasonal Displays Ltd.
Wayne Pearce, Princesshay centre director, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the participating charities to raise awareness and funds through this festive event. It will add extra sparkle to Roman Walk this Christmas and will give it a really magical atmosphere."
Princesshay's local charity partner WESC Foundation is one of the 20 charities taking part in the festival.
Caroline Burkie, PR and fundraising manager for WESC Foundation, said: "Each child and young person at WESC has made a decoration for our tree. We're really proud of their efforts and they are too.
"We'd like to thank AB Design, Quick Print, James Glancy Design and Princesshay for their help with further decorations and support. It's a brilliant opportunity for us to engage with visitors and shoppers, raising awareness of the work we do at WESC Foundation."
The participating charities are: WESC Foundation, St Loye's Foundation, Dream-A-Way, Hospiscare, British Heart Foundation, Ataxia, Families for Children, Action for Children, St Petrock's, Devon Air Ambulance, Age UK, MS Society, NSPCC, Force, Little Valley Animal Shelter (RSPCA), Macmillan, North & East Devon Prostate Support Association, Children's Hospice South West, Live Life then Give Life and Mind.
