Exeter Cathedral continues to plan and prepare for its popular Christmas Market this year, with a range of new measures to ensure that both stall holders and visitors are kept safe, including a new layout of Christmas chalets to improve the flow of pedestrians, much wider paths, and a table service only policy at the event’s popular Cathedral Tavern bar.
The Dean of Exeter, The Very Revd Jonathan Greener, remains hopeful that the event can take place to deliver a much needed festive boost for the local community and for the economy:
“We hope that the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market will take place this year, because it would be good for Christmas celebrations to take place here in the centre of Exeter, and it benefits both the city and the traders.”
However, as the coronavirus pandemic and its social restrictions continue, preparations are “proceeding with caution,” as Exeter Cathedral’s Administrator, Catherine Escott explains,
“An event of this size requires a great deal of planning, so we have to start preparing now in the hope that the Christmas Market can take place this year. But of course, the pandemic is a developing situation, so we are regularly reviewing our plans in the light of current Covid-19 concerns, complying with the latest advice and legislation from the Government, from Public Health England and from Exeter City Council.”
“It is in everyone’s interests for us to remain cautious, but we are very much on track to confirm our final Christmas Market plans by 23 October, as agreed with our traders.”
Traders wishing to apply for a chalet at Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market are invited to email [email protected] for more information.