Exeter's Christmas market culled

Victim of new lockdown

Exeter's Christmas market, which has been a feature of the city for eight years, has fallen victim to the latest coronavirus lockdown.

The market, which usually takes place in temporary sheds on Cathedral Green from mid-November, attracts tens of thousands of people. But after the government announced that non-essential shops would be forced to close from Thursday, the cathedral's authorities have pulled the plug.

With many people worried about how Christmas will be celebrated this year, the culling of Exeter's market is the first big seasonal event to be cancelled since lockdown was announced. Church services will also be banned from this week until at least 2 December.

The full statement from the Dean and Chapter of Exeter Cathedral says:

"Due to the government’s announcement on Saturday 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 lo-cal 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.

"Our thanks go out to all the traders who have patiently supported our efforts this year, and to Exeter City Council, the Safety Advisory Group and Public Heath England, for their help and guidance.

As we enter a difficult winter, we pray for all those affected by Covid-19, in health, bereavement or through impact on work and finances, and we pray for the strength to support and sustain each other."