Exmouth gets festive

devon.editorial@archant.co.uk
28 November 2009

With just over a week to go to Exmouth's biggest Christmas party, almost everything is ready to ensure that Exmouth has the best start to the festive season ever on Friday December 4.

There really is something for everyone. Look out for Jack Frost and the Snow Queen, two dazzling stilt walkers, a wizard called Oz performing magic tricks in the Magnolia centre, teacups and an inflatable assault course, face painting in the indoor market, a floating Santa, and our very own Santa Paws appearing on Santa's sleigh.

A giant Chinese-style marquee will be set up in the closed area of Rolle Street, with 30 local market stalls, local food producers, Christmas gifts, games and even a drumming workshop!

An enchanting Lantern Parade of children from many Exmouth schools will process from the Magnolia Centre at 5.30pm, through the town centre singing a special Exmouth Christmas song, written just for the occasion and they will gather in The Strand at the main marquee and stage, at 6pm for the Christmas celebrations.

Bay FM will host the evening with music and Exmouth's own Martin John Nicholls will MC the event. The countdown and fireworks, at around 6.10pm, will be followed by a beautiful traditional Nativity Play performed by children of the Beacon School, complete with real donkeys, sheep and other friends from the World of Country Life.

With plenty more surprises yet to be discovered, as well as a vibrant party in the Clipper to end the evening, Exmouth Town Centre will be a place not to be missed next Friday evening.

The fun continues on Saturday, December 5, at 3pm, when the first ever Exmouth Santa Dash takes place in Exeter Road. People of all ages will be dressed as Santa Claus, or in some kind of red and white fancy dress, and gather at the top of Exeter Road from 2.30pm. At 3pm, they will dash, all the way down to The Magnolia Centre, where there will be prizes, music and fun.

Only £1 to enter on the day, or at Exmouth Town Hall, or you can even collect sponsors. All the money raised will be going to Christian Aid's work in the poorest countries across the world.

The evening will see a feast of Americana music in the Old Barrel, with local act the Chicken Slacks and a splendid special guest.

Exmouth's annual Great Big Christmas Sing on Sunday, December 6, at 7.30pm, will be the climax of the Christmas Cracker Weekend. The packed house at the Exmouth Pavilion will once again be raising the roof with Christmas carols, raising funds for projects in the developing world and raising laughs with performances from local schools, theatre groups, artists, and choirs. Tickets are just £6 from the Pavilion Box Office (01395) 222477.