The centre of Exmouth will be hosting its first giant indoor Christmas village and event space this year in what organisers hope to be an annual event.

Approaching 100 stalls to date, there will be something for everyone to pick up Christmas gifts and support those exhibiting, and overspill the town before, or after.

The dates of the market are December, 15 to 18 and throughout there are all manner of festive activities including book readings from local authors, carol concerts, festive drinks, a colouring-in competition finale, a cake-making competition - and much, much more! Most surprisingly is that all the traders are being allowed to exhibit and trade - for free.

Father Christmas will also be in attendance throughout the market so that children are able to get their wish lists in with plenty of notice.

Not only is there a four day market, but immediately after, there are several paid-for and free events that the whole community can engage with. The Journal will be detailing these over the coming weeks, but they include an afternoon tea dance, carols for the family, Christmas quiz, Silent Discos, a live nativity and a Michael Bublé concert.

One of the big features of this event space is the final night of operation which is a New Year party spectacular with seating for up to 1,000 guests who will be entertained by Ian Boyd and wonder-band Reckless. Tickets will be on sale for this shortly and will yet again give visitors a focal point of coming out in fancy dress.

Organised by Spoken which operates from the Strand, it’s owner George Nightingale and team told The Journal: “Christmas is a difficult trading time for the high street particularly with the current cost of living crisis. We wanted to reinvigorate the Christmas spirit with something big to give people a reason to visit our wonderful town. The opportunity to enable small businesses to trade for free is a gamble, but with 100 stalls undercover and sheltered from the winter elements, how could visitors from East Devon and beyond NOT come and visit!”

The event is costing over £40,000 to host and organisers are hoping for sponsors to come forward and support the event in any way that they can. Whether it be helping with the gifts for the tea dance, volunteering or providing decorations and gifts for children.

For anyone wishing to get in contact with the organisers for a last minute stall e-mail christmasvillage@spokenexmouth.com