Christmas Cracker 2009 is set to be even bigger and better than 2008, with a whole weekend of events and entertainment planned to launch Exmouth into a Christmas festival worth waiting for! Working closely with the Exmouth Festival and Christian Aid, the

Christmas Cracker 2009 is set to be even bigger and better than 2008, with a whole weekend of events and entertainment planned to launch Exmouth into a Christmas festival worth waiting for!

Working closely with the Exmouth Festival and Christian Aid, the Town Management Partnership has been planning this year's event since before everyone was even taking down their decorations last year.

Friday evening sees the traditional carols sung by local primary school children extended to a fantastic parade of singing, led through the town centre by Ebenezer Scrooge himself, gathering together in The Strand for the big countdown, the switching-on of the Christmas tree lights and a dazzling firework display, followed by a host of activities to entertain absolutely everyone.

The magic of the evening will come alive with a wonderful Nativity played out by children of the Beacon School in the main marquee in The Strand.

Thirty market stalls will be set up for 6pm in Rolle Street and have again been taken up by local groups and organisations raising money for their particular cause. This year sees our local food producers offering a much wider range of seasonal fare that will get us all feeling a little more Christmassy!

Exmouth festival has been busy collecting hundreds of glass jars in order give you the opportunity to make a festive lantern at the Exmouth Festival stall.

Plenty of local craft makers will be selling handmade glass, jewellery and Christmas decorations for anyone wanting that extra special Christmas gift.

For those of you who love the traditional tombola, bric-a-brac and nearly new, guess the weight of the cake or chance your luck with the raffle, you'll find it on the night.

Teacups and a bouncy assault course are added this year and plenty of new and exciting characters and entertainers to meet - find our more nearer the time!

As with all Exmouth Festival events, music will be playing a big part, with performances from a genre-busting mix of musicians; from gypsy jazz, to country - all performing on the streets!

There will also be a fantastic concert in The Clipper to provide the icing on the cake to a seriously special event.

The sponsored Santa Dash is on at 3pm, on Saturday, December 5, from the top of Exeter Road to the town centre so, if you fancy taking part or just going along to watch, you are in for a wonderful spectacle, and the Great Big Christmas Sing finishes off the weekend on Sunday, December 6, at 7.30pm, at the Pavilion Theatre. Tickets for this are limited, so book up soon to make sure you don't miss out!

So don't forget to pencil December 4, 5 and 6 in your diary to go along and have some fun at Exmouth's Christmas Cracker 09!