Santa Bus

Stagecoach South West has been announced as the official Travel Partner for Exeter’s Christmas lights switch-on.

Thousands of local residents and visitors are expected to enjoy Exeter’s ‘Five Nights of Lights’ Christmas ‘switch-on’ events this year, taking place from Wednesday 13th November to Sunday 17th November. 

‘Five Nights of Lights’ marks the start of the Christmas countdown for shoppers and the unveiling of the Stagecoach Santa bus.

Family-friendly festivities start in Exeter on Wednesday 13 November at 5pm, with ‘North and South Street Sings’; where Sound of the Sirens, community choirs and a lantern parade will enchant shoppers. Visitors will also have the chance to hop-on board the Stagecoach South West Santa bus and meet family favourite mascot, Gary the Rabbit, who will be giving out goodies on South Street.

The Stagecoach Santa bus will also attend the Christmas Fair, taking place on Exeter High Street and Castle Street from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday 16th November. The Santa bus will be located outside Exeter library and the Stagecoach roadshow team will be handing out giveaways. There will also be craft activities, pop-up stalls and live busking acts throughout the afternoon. 

Karen Hodder, Stagecoach South West’s Commercial Director, said:

“We are proud to be the Travel Partner for this year’s Christmas Lights switch-on events and to be supporting Exeter residents, shops and businesses during the festive period. Christmas is a key time for local traders and we’re delighted to be playing a part, by encouraging the local community to make the most of the Five Nights of Lights events by hopping on the bus for a more stress free journey into Exeter.”

Marina O’Shea, Events and Project manager at InExeter, the organisers of this year’s festive events, said:

“We’re delighted that Stagecoach South West is again helping to support this year’s Christmas Lights switch-on and festivities as the official Travel Partner. The team at Stagecoach is committed to ensuring shoppers are offered a fantastic public transport solution to get in and out of Exeter. Thanks to Stagecoach, visitors will be able to enjoy easy and reliable travel in and out of the city over the festive season.”

Throughout the five nights of entertainment, taking pace in the city centre, some bus services will need to be rerouted to avoid road closures. For further information and to help plan journeys by bus, including the Park and Ride, download the free Stagecoach Bus app from the App and Play stores. As well as live bus times, you can also buy day and 1 week mobile tickets. 

For more information on services please visit www.stagecoachbus.com

For more information about InExeter and the Exeter Christmas lights switch-on events, please visit: www.inexeter.com.