Christmas Cheer in Tiverton and Exeter

Following my recent post about Riding Lights' Christmas shows, there are a number of other Christmas events taking place in the coming weeks which I would love to publicise. Originally I intended to give each one an individual post, but I must remember, when all is said and done, that this is a film blog rather than a what's on guide.

So, rather than needlessly clutter up the place, I'm going to do point out a few choice events here in the run-up to Christmas which you can attend and get involved with in Tiverton and Exeter. If there's any event you feel I've overlooked, by all means drop me a comment below, with links if need be. But for now, here's my brief guide to what's on in the coming Yuletide season...

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1. The Great Tiverton Santa Walk and Run - Sunday 1st December
What better way to kick off Advent, the countdown to Christmas, then dressing up as Santa for charity? On December 1st, people of all ages and abilities are invited to walk, jog, run or wheel their way around a 3km course to raise money for When You Wish Upon A Star, a charity which provides memorable experiences for children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

 

Entrance fees are £15 for adults, £7.50 for children under 11 and free for infants under 2. Included in the entrance fee is a free Santa suit or Elf hat and medals for all finishers. Registration on the day opens at Phoenix Lane in Tiverton from 9am, and the walk will begin officially at 11am. The only entrance requirement is for all participants to raise a minimum of £20 sponsorship. To register in advance or for more information, check out the website here.

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2. Tiverton Late Night Shopping - Friday 6th December

In addition to the Santa Run, there will be late-night shopping in Tiverton on Friday December 6th. All retailers on Bampton Street, Fore Street and Gold Street will be open until 7:30pm, as will the Pannier Market in the centre of town. There will also be family competitions throughout the town and live performances by both a choir and numerous buskers. Further details will be announced in the local press in due course.

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3. The Steampunk Yule Ball @ the Exeter Phoenix - Friday 6th December
If late night shopping is not your thing, then this might just be up your street. For one night only the Exeter Phoenix will be taken over by all things steampunk for the Steampunk Yule Ball. This event is organised by The Mysterious Freakshow, whose members broadcast on Phonic FM as Revolutionary Radio, every Sunday 6-8pm. In addition to music from them, Miss Von Trapp and The Wattingers, there'll be a special appearance by 'chap hop' artist Professor Elemental - check out the video for a glimpse of his talents:

As if that wasn't enough, there will be a steampunk fashion parade courtesy of Velveteen Clothes Emporium, electroswing DJs (whatever that is) in the bar, and photography from Rick Smith of Smiff-Ease Shots. Doors open at 8pm on December 6th for what promises to be a memorable night. Tickets are £10 and are available from the Exeter Phoenix box office, either by clicking here or by calling (01392) 667080.

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4. The Exeter YMCA Santa Abseil - Saturday 7th December
If walking or running in a Santa suit doesn't seem exciting enough, why not abseil off a 100ft building dressed as Santa? That's the thinking behind the Santa Abseil, in which anyone over the age of 12 (excepting pregnant women) can abseil down the @Renslade Office in Exeter to raise money for Exeter YMCA. Check out the video for an idea of what to expect:

The Santa Abseil takes place on Saturday December 7th: slots are available throughout the day, and all participants should allow for about an hour. Registration costs £12 if you do it before close of play on November 7th (that's today), and £15 thereafter. Group discounts are available, and if you register before the end of today, you also get entered into a prize draw. Participants are asked to raise a minimum of £100, and will be provided with fundraising packs to help them reach that goal. For more information and to register, just click here.

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I think that covers everything - so now I promise no more Christmas posts until December. Honest.

Daniel