Totnes unveils a triple festive delight: Three magical shopping events
After the tremendous success of last year's Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping events in December, Totnes Town Council, Visit Totnes, and Miss Ivy Events are gearing up for a repeat performance this year. Once again, there’s the opportunity to enjoy not just one, but three spectacular festive shopping extravaganzas, all aimed at boosting town centre commerce and providing joyful outings for families.
On three consecutive Tuesdays in December, namely the 5th, 12th, and 19th, from 3 pm until 9 pm, the heart of Totnes will transform into a festive wonderland, filled with the enchanting sights, sounds, and scents of the Christmas season.
Much like last year, these wonderfully festive events will unite the Totnes community and its neighbouring areas, offering heartwarming yuletide entertainment. This will include choirs and live music, roving entertainers, and even a twinkling Carousel. This year there’ll be not one but two food courts in the Civic Hall and the Mansion, serving mouthwatering street food to satisfy every palate. Thanks to the participation of over eighty local traders and skilled craft artisans, along with the dedication of shop owners staying open late, visitors can enjoy an unparalleled gift-shopping experience in the lead-up to the big day. Enjoy free family-friendly activities at Totnes Museum 3pm-6pm. And on 19 December, watch or join in with a magical illuminated lantern parade organised by Totnes Carnival. Setting off from the Rotherfold at 4pm, the parade will move down through the town to end up at the Dartmouth Inn Square.
Getting to Totnes is a breeze, whether by road, rail, or bus. The town is conveniently situated just 5 miles from the primary A38 Devon Expressway, halfway between Exeter and Plymouth. If you prefer to drive and park hassle-free, Bob the Bus, Community bus, offers a Park and Ride service from Follaton House Car Park on Plymouth Road from 5pm-10pm (free, donations welcome). Totnes is also well-connected by local bus links to nearby towns and villages. If you're arriving by train, Totnes is on the mainline to Penzance. Thanks to a Customer and Community Improvement Grant from Great Western Railway (GWR), a free shuttle bus service will be running between the train station and the town centre on all three festive nights from 5pm-10pm. Alternatively, the train station is just a short 10-minute walk from the town centre.
As Jo Macaskie, the Director of Miss Ivy Events, enthusiastically puts it, “Miss Ivy Events is thrilled to be a part of these festivities once again this year. The people of Totnes certainly know how to make the most of the Christmas season. We anticipate the town, its residents, and visitors will make these events as fantastic as they did last year, not just once, but three times over.
“Now, more than ever, it's crucial for everyone to recognize the positive impact of spending even a small amount in your local town centre on the regional economy. Together, we aspire to ensure these three days are a resounding success and end 2023 on a high note.”
Cllr Emily Price, Mayor of Totnes added, “I'm really proud that, as a Town Council, we are able to organise these fabulous events that are enjoyed by so many residents and visitors - and provide a real boost for our local businesses. We listened to feedback from last year and we're pleased to say we're going to have more street food this year to satisfy your tastebuds. We have also invested in having even more entertainment, located at The Rotherfold and outside The Mansion - check out the timings on our website so you don't miss your favourites including Elfic, Dartington Morris or The Rock Choir. Once again, we've prioritised local traders for stalls whilst also engaging with our excellent independent shops and businesses to make sure they get the footfall they need in these challenging times. Please do come along to support local makers and businesses and have a very Merry Christmas too.”
Closing the road
Like last year, Upper Fore Street, High Street, and The Narrows will be closed to traffic from midday on each of the Christmas Market days to enable stall holders to set up safely. Access will be permitted for delivery vehicles ONLY from 12–2pm on High Street to minimise disruption for local businesses.
In response to feedback from last year’s event, Lower Fore Street will also be closed this year but not until slightly later (4pm). A letter with more information on the road closures has been hand-delivered to all households and businesses in the affected area.
The roads will remain closed throughout the event to ensure visitors can explore the streets safely.
Anyone interested in visiting Totnes Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping events can find out more about it here: https://missivyevents.co.uk/event/totnes-christmas-markets-and-late-night-shopping/ or at https://visittotnes.co.uk/totnes-christmas-market/
