It's beginning to look a lot like… Topsham
Topsham’s residents and visitors don’t have to wait until December 25 to enjoy a wonderful day - there are plenty of them happening in the next few weeks as the beautiful estuary town becomes a Christmas haven for all the family.
The festivities begin at 5pm on Friday November 15 when the town’s lights - funded by contributions from the local community and Devon County Council - are switched on by special guests in a magical ceremony at the town’s Matthews Hall.
This year’s lights are bigger and better than ever, stretching through the town’s shopping street, towards the famous quay and then along the waterside.
Immediately after the big switch-on there’s a community procession of music and light led by the Town Crier and passing the stores, cafes, pubs and restaurants of Topsham which have all created special festive windows.
Celebrations continue at one of the town’s pubs, the Lord Nelson Inn, where you’ll find Christmas stalls, food and drink plus live music until late.
Next up on Tuesday December 3 there’s the town’s unique Christmas Shopping Evening, when over 40 of Topsham’s unique independent retailers will be opening their doors from 6pm until 9pm.
There will be offers galore from the shops and eateries, many of them for one-night-only - making this an event not to be missed for people wanting truly distinctive gifts this year. Live music and the Christmas lights display across the town will ensure a truly festive experience for everyone.
And if you’ve over-indulged already, fancy a fun morning with the kids or looking for a healthy alternative to the office party? If so, join in the first Topsham Santa Run at 10am at Topsham Rugby Club on Saturday December 7.
It’s set to be a hilarious morning for all the family. There are three distances involved up to one a half miles, and you can get round however you like (within reason!). Everyone’s welcome, including business teams and kids, plus there’s only one rule: you have to ‘dress festive’!
“This Christmas there’s going to be nowhere like Topsham” explains Lily Neal, a local shop owner and core team member of Love Topsham, a community group that has raised funds for the town’s Yuletide events amongst other town projects.
Love Topsham also co-ordinates volunteer activities from residents and traders - even the trees adorning the shops were put up by locals giving their time and hard work for free.
“The great thing is that you can come and enjoy traditional Christmas fun in a beautiful location without the pressure of going to a big shopping centre. Grab a bite to eat or a pint, sit back and watch the estuary and pick up distinctive presents you won’t find elsewhere from genuinely local and independent shops. And, it’s all here amongst Topsham’s historic surroundings” adds Lily.
