Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market seeks traders for 2026 after record-breaking year

One of the UK's most popular Christmas markets is looking for traders for its 2026 event, and organisers are warning that spaces are expected to fill fast.

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, which draws more than 600,000 visitors across its month-long run on Cathedral Green, has opened an expressions of interest phase ahead of full applications going live next week.

The market runs from Friday 13 November to Sunday 13 December 2026.

Organisers say demand has never been higher. Last year saw a record number of applications, with many traders missing out due to limited chalet space, prompting the early interest phase to give businesses a better chance of securing a spot.

Catherine Escott, Chief Operating Officer at Exeter Cathedral, said the event had grown into something beyond a typical market.

"We're always looking for passionate makers, producers and creative independents, especially those from the South West, to help us tell a richer story each year," she said.

Organisers say they are particularly keen to hear from independent retailers, designers, makers and artisans selling high-quality or handcrafted products.

Expressions of interest close on Friday 10 April and can be submitted via the Trader Hub at exetercathedralchristmasmarket.co.uk.