Princesshay has announced that for the fourth consecutive year it will host Exeter city centre's annual Christmas lights switch-on event.
The popular ceremony, on Thursday, November 20, from 4pm to 8pm, will see European Athletics Championship Gold medallist Jo Pavey, actress Caroline Quentin, patron of Families for Children, and members of Exeter Chiefs rugby team switch on the city centre's Christmas lights at 6.30pm, joined on stage by the Lord Mayor of Exeter and Father Christmas.
Visitors and shoppers to Princesshay will be treated to a festive programme of entertainment throughout the event as the stage will light up with musical acts local band 'To the Sun', the Exeter University Jazz Orchestra, Exeter University Soul Choir and local X Factor finalist Shelley Smith closing the show.
Performances from Razzmatazz Theatre School, Wonder Production Pantomime, and the Pinhoe pantomime cast, will keep the magic of Christmas alive on the night. Compering the main event will be Heart Radio's breakfast presenters, while the Heart Angels will be on the ground greeting visitors and shoppers and handing out free festive treats and giveaways.
Jo Pavey said: "It's such a huge honour to be asked to switch on the Christmas lights, as I am very proud to have been born and brought up in the Exeter area. I have been a member of Exeter Harriers athletics club since I was 13, so it's nice to be able to represent the city when I compete. I attended Exeter College and still live just outside the city, and so it is really lovely to be asked to do something like this in my community. I was thrilled to win gold in the 10000m at this year's European Championships and I am so grateful for the great support I received from the people of Exeter and Devon.
"Exeter is a wonderful city surrounded by beautiful countryside. Since starting my family in 2009 I stopped going on elite overseas training camps and now do all of my training right here in Devon. It's great for my training, particularly as I can use the fantastic facilities at Exeter Arena."
Caroline Quentin, patron of Families for Children, said: "I am delighted to be switching on the Christmas lights in Princesshay. My charity has a long association with the management team at Princesshay, with them welcoming us for many adoption awareness events throughout the year. Christmas is a time for families, this year please remember all the children in care who are still waiting for their forever family through adoption."
The Christmas lights switch-on event marks the start of late-night shopping in the city.
Wayne Pearce, Princesshay Centre director, said: "We always look forward to the Christmas season here in Princesshay and this year is no exception with a packed timetable of events and festive activities for shoppers to enjoy. With a mix of over 70 shops and restaurants including the newly opened Joules and Byron we think Princesshay is the perfect destination to shop, dine and socialise this Christmas."
Friday, November 21 sees Princesshay's Roman Walk twinkle with festive cheer with the Charity Christmas Tree Festival. The festival, now in its second year, provides local charities with the opportunity to decorate a Christmas tree to help raise both awareness and money.
The Lord Mayor of Exeter will officially switch on the lights to the 30 Charity Christmas trees at 5.30pm.
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