2024 Christmas in Dawlish
‘Christmas In Dawlish’ a special two-day community event filled with festive cheer, is coming to the town this month.
Dawlish Town Council have organised a wonderful programme of Christmas events to kick start the festive season in Dawlish Town Centre on Friday 22nd November & Saturday 23rd November.
From 2pm on Friday 22nd November, the first of two Christmas Markets will open to serve you and your family delicious local food and drinks ahead of the main event which starts at 5pm.
Between 4 – 5pm, the authors of the wonderful children’s book series ‘Ditto’s of Dawlish’ , will be signing copies of their books at ‘The Dawlish Book Shop’ on Queen Street. There will also be a special festive Ditto trail around the town centre, where you can spot an incredible array of unique and beautifully handcrafted wooden Ditto houses, treasure trail leaflets are available from several of the local independent shops.
From 5pm, there will be a live Nativity and a Lantern Parade accompanied by Father Christmas and the Town Crier onto The Lawn. Shortly thereafter the Christmas lights will be officially switched on at 6:00pm, with several local live music acts performing in many businesses around the Food & Drink Christmas Market on The Strand and in The Brunswick Arms. Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor star Russell Jones Jr, will also be performing on The Band Stand.
Local artists performing on the night are; Monday's Chyld, Jamie Cottrell, Acid Reflux, Velvet Rockerteers, Zach Broad, Elle Chappelle, Wendy Thompsett, The Crazy Foot Tappers (Duo), Mark Wallington and Hendrix by Name, Willow by Nature. Weather permitting, there may even be a flurry of ‘snow’ on both Friday and Saturday on The Strand!
Everyone is invited to take part in the Lantern Parade. Making a lantern at home is a great Christmas craft activity for all the family, alternatively you can simply bring a torch to join in with the parade.
Dawlish Chamber of Trade and Commerce will be hosting a competition and raffle during then event; for children there will be a homemade Snow Globe competition, which can easily be made with a jam jar. Drop off your entries to Underhill Estate Agents, 29 The Strand, Dawlish EX7 9PT by Wednesday 20th November. The Snow Globes will be displayed in the shop windows and prizes will be awarded to the winners.For adults, there is a chance to win one of two luxury hampers. Anyone who spends over £10 in participating shops in Dawlish over this two-day event, will be entered into the raffle.
The wonderful Independent Businesses around the town centre will also be open into the evening, providing an excellent opportunity to start your Christmas Shopping. With lots of unique and local products, gifts, clothing, footwear and crafts available, Dawlish is a fantastic place to buy special presents for your loved ones.
Free evening car parking at Barton Hill Car Park (Dawlish) from 4pm on Friday 22nd November.
On Saturday 23rd November we will be hosting the second of our two Christmas Markets from 10am – 4pm. With over 60 stalls spread out along The Strand and The Lawn. Sellers will be offering a wide range of products and produce; from Christmas decorations to locally produced spirits and everything in between – this event is not to be missed!
Many talented local musicians, bands and singers will be entertaining us throughout the day for this special community event. On Saturday afternoon we will also welcome Jerry Wilde and The Wild Things to the Band Stand.
The authors of the ‘Ditto’s of Dawlish’ will also offer another book signing event on Saturday morning at ‘The Dawlish Book Shop’ in Queen Street.
Throughout November and December there will be the usual council funded annual Christmas light displays around the town, plus lit up Christmas Trees above independent shops, eateries and Jubilee Bridge, courtesy of Dawlish Chamber of Trade and Commerce.
Please take some time over the next six weeks to admire the lovely Christmas window displays in each business, many of which are owned and run by local families. Please shop local where possible this Christmas.
Car parking will not be free on Saturday 23rd November. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport to access the town centre wherever possible. Additional parking is available at Dawlish Warren, which is regularly served by buses and trains.
So, if you’re looking for some festive atmosphere and a unique shopping experience this winter, make sure you come and discover Dawlish.
"Welcome one and all to Dawlish Town at Christmas time. This is such a special festive time of year for all of us. This year I would like to ask you to join me for the Festive Christmas light switch-on plus late- night Christmas shopping. We also have the Children's Lantern Parade and Christmas Choirs.
I look forward to seeing you there!"
Mayor Lin Goodman-Bradbury
#CHRISTMASINDAWLISH
