A very special evening at Visit Exeter’s Launch Party
On Wednesday 29 March I was invited to speak at a very special event, the launch of Visit Exeter at the RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum).
Photo by Andrzej Pawelczyk at Big Styles
The Visit Exeter team engaged Windslide, a local busking band (complete with didgeridoo) to play as people came in the main entrance. The Exeter Chiefs had a stand nearby where I got to meet two real life rugby players (a first for me) Harry Williams (who went to school in my home town), Alec Hepburn and of course team mascot, the Big Chief himself.
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (who are residents of Exeter) played throughout the event and there were exhibitions and stalls from Exeter Co-bikes, Exeter Pound, the BID ambassadors, the Red Coat Guides, Mace Sergeants, Topsham’s little known best bits, Powderham Castle events, the Exeter Poetry Pin and Dr Ink’s Curiosities were making ice cream cocktails. We also spun some sugar with Exeter Cookery School and had mini preview of Princesshay’s fashion show.
I’ve heard a lot about Exeter University’s male a cappella singing group Semi-Toned who sang us a few tracks before the speeches, they were great and full of energy. ‘Son of a preacher man’ complete with beatbox and sung by an all male choir was something I won’t forget in a hurry!
I had the (incredibly nervous) pleasure of speaking alongside Karime Hassan (CEO of Exeter City Council), Councillor Rosie Denham and Martin Thomas (Exeter Cultural Partnership’s first Culture Director). I have to say, I did wonder how I managed to be included in that line up! It turned out that Catherine Hill at Exeter City Council follows my blog and thought it would be great to share my passion for Exeter (as a newby).
Karime Hassan (CEO of Exeter City Council), Photo by Andrzej Pawelczyk at Big Styles
Visit Exeter is relaunching following its move away last year from the Heart of Devon tourism partnership to focus its attention on promoting Exeter.
Photo by Andrzej Pawelczyk at Big Styles
They are encouraging people to share their stories of why they love Exeter on social media using the hashtag #Love Exeter, so why not get involved!
Tags: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Dr Inks Curiosities, Exeter BID, exeter chiefs, exeter city council, Exeter Co-bikes, exeter cookery school, Exeter Poetry Pin, Exeter Pound, Exeter Red Coats, exeter university, karime hassan, Powderham Castle, princesshay, RAMM, royal albert memorial museum, Semi-Toned, Visit Exeter, windslide