Exeter Christmas Market is cancelled
The annual Exeter Christmas Market has been cancelled following the government’s announcement of a second lockdown in England.
Exeter’s eighth Christmas Market, held on Cathedral Green, had been scheduled to run between 21 November and 19 December but the new restrictions mean it is no longer possible.
Additional precautions were planned to make the event safe with appropriate social distancing. The original plan involved controlled entry and exit points, wider paths and a more spacious arrangement of chalets to avoid congestion and minimise crowds.
It is recognised as one of the UK’s top Christmas markets as it brings in 600,000 visitors and an estimated £33 million to the city annually.
The government’s announcement, made on 31 October, will be a further blow for local businesses that benefit each year from the crowds the market attracts. It is recognised as one of the UK’s top Christmas markets as it brings in 600,000 visitors and an estimated £33 million to the city annually.
In a statement released by Exeter Cathedral, they say that protecting the NHS and ensuring the safety of the community is a priority.
“Due to the government’s announcement on Saturday 31 October of a second national lockdown, we are very sad to have to announce that the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market can no longer take place this year.
“Having significantly redesigned the Christmas Market to ensure appropriate safety measures, we had hoped to be able to continue the tradition this year, to give a much needed boost for local businesses, residents and visitors.
“Today’s news will be disappointing for many, as it is for all of us at the Cathedral. However the pandemic is a continually developing situation, and we all want to do everything we can to ensure the safety of the community and to minimise strain on our NHS, carers and other key workers.”
