Exeter market boosts local traders

The Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market has returned for 2024 with its most ambitious and inclusive offering to date. Amid a cost-of-living crisis and economic uncertainty, the market serves as a vital lifeline for local independent businesses, offering them a high-footfall opportunity to reach festive shoppers. 

One of the event organisers emphasised the market’s mission: “Organisers of Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market are conscious, particularly in the light of an ongoing cost-of-living crisis and economic uncertainty, of the challenges facing businesses this year. The market provides a critical, high-footfall shop window for many local, independent businesses, as well as bringing more Christmas shoppers into Exeter generally. This year’s new pop-up chalets are designed to make the benefits of Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market accessible to an even wider range of traders from across the South West of England.”

This year, the market expanded into the cathedral’s historic Cloister Garden for the first time, adding a new dimension to the event. Alex Taylor from Storeys and Tails, a pet accessory company, praised the opportunity: “We are excited to be here at Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market and have had a really positive start to the festive season.”

Alongside the beloved Bavarian-style chalets on Cathedral Green, the Cloister Garden now hosts ‘pop-up’ chalets offering affordable, short-term opportunities for small traders. These spaces are part of the organisers’ effort to support the region’s independent businesses. 

Catherine Escott, Chief Operating Officer at Exeter Cathedral, shared her excitement: “Each year Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market brings the festive spirit to the heart of the city and features a wide range of local makers, handcrafted gifts, delicious street food, and more. This year, we are delighted to extend our offering into the Cloister Garden to showcase even more local makers, set against the backdrop of Exeter Cathedral’s brand-new Friends’ Cloister Gallery.”

The pop-up chalets, open Thursday to Sunday, feature a rotating line-up of artisans, including MJC Crafts, known for engraved gifts; Pom Stitch Tassel, offering creative family activities; Tulsikitchen’s gluten-free bakes; and Sea Pink Studio’s hand-painted jewellery. 

Howard from Salcombe Distilling Co. described the festive atmosphere: “The Exeter Christmas Market this year has had a lovely atmosphere, made all the more festive by the unusually early snow we had during the first week. I’m pleased to say that we’ve had lovely feedback about our products, and our Christmas stocking gift sets have been especially popular!”

Brad from Devon Rum Company echoed this sentiment: “It’s always a fantastic market, with loads of variety and a real festive feel! People from all over Devon and beyond come to visit and share in the festivities, all while helping to support independent brands.”

The market also showcases Exeter Cathedral’s newly completed Friends’ Cloister Gallery. Built on the original medieval cloister foundations, this fully accessible addition links the cathedral’s 12th-century main building, the medieval Chapter House (now a café), and the Victorian Pearson Building (housing a revamped gift shop).

Escott noted, “This year’s market allows us to celebrate the new Friends’ Cloister Gallery, the most significant addition to the cathedral in over 500 years.” 

Visitors can also enjoy two pop-up bars, including the beloved Cathedral Tavern and a tepee bar with cosy fires and live piano music. The market is a feast for the senses, with twinkling lanes filled with gift ideas, handmade decorations, and international street food. 

Running until December 15, the market has cemented its place as a festive highlight in Exeter’s calendar.

Reflecting on the market’s broader impact, Escott added: “Our top priorities will always be safety, security, and accessibility for everyone. We have a fantastic team onsite, ensuring a safe, enjoyable environment for all visitors and providing peace of mind for our traders.” 

As Howard from Salcombe Distilling Co. concluded: “We are very much looking forward to enjoying the rest of the market as we approach Christmas, and those last few gifts need to be bought!”