Exeter Cathedral is co-hosting its inaugural ‘tweet-up’ this week, as part of an evening of celebrations to launch the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market.
For the first time ever, the Cathedral will open its doors after-hours on Thursday 15th November in a bid to encourage social media lovers and budding photographs to explore the building. The free opening coincides with the popular weekly #ExeterHour on Twitter (@Exeter_Hour), as well as an Instagram competition to win £100 of vouchers for the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market which opens the same night.
Laurence Blyth manages the Cathedral’s digital presence, and will be tweeting from @ExeterCathedral on the night. He said:
“Social media has proven to be an important part of the way Cathedrals can reach out beyond their walls to showcase the wonderful things going on in their communities, and to share some of the fascinating stories of these ancient, sacred spaces.
“Thousands of people engage with our @ExeterCathedral profiles each week, and the launch of the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is a great opportunity to invite them inside the building to see it in person.”
English Cathedrals including Exeter, Bristol, York Minster and St Paul’s made the headlines last year as part of spontaneous campaign for #WorldArchitectureDay.
Exeter Cathedral was back in the news again earlier this year following a viral video for the FIFA World Cup which saw Assistant Director of Music Timothy Parsons playing a cover version of David Baddiel’s “Three Lions” song on the Cathedral Organ.
The evening opening begins at 18.30 on Thursday 15th November (although members of the public are welcome to attend Choral Evensong at 17.30), and will conclude after #ExeterHour (which runs from 20.00 until 21.00). Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market launches on Thursday 15th November and is open daily until 16th December 2018.