Free Santa's grotto, presents and activities at Exeter Phoenix on Sunday 6 December, 11am to 4pm, no booking. A £25 Tom Robinson gig that night pays for it.

Families can visit Santa’s grotto, collect a small present for each child and join a day of activities at Exeter Phoenix on Sunday 6 December, all for free. The daytime event runs from 11am to 4pm and needs no booking.

It is called Mind Over Mayhem @Christmas. The organiser is Health Opportunities Devon, an Exeter community interest company. A ticketed gig in the evening, with Tom Robinson and TV Smith, pays for the free day.

What is on in the daytime

Exeter City Council announced the event on 21 October. The day includes:

  • a Santa’s grotto, with small presents for children
  • short films, stalls, dance and drama
  • crafts and activities
  • taster sessions for mobilates and seated exercise

Entry is free and you do not need to book, the council said.

The evening gig

The evening is for adults. The line-up is:

  • Tom Robinson, the 1970s chart-topper and BBC 6 Music broadcaster
  • TV Smith, of the punk band The Adverts
  • Sound of the Sirens, the Exeter folk duo

Tickets cost £25 from the Exeter Phoenix box office, plus a £1.50 booking charge. The Phoenix lists doors at 7pm and the music from 7.30pm to 11pm in the auditorium.

The organisers say any money from the gig goes towards the cost of the free day.

Why it is being held

Andy Stapley, director of Health Opportunities Devon, said the idea came from a trip into town last Christmas. He saw families enjoying the Cathedral Christmas market.

“I was also aware that not everyone, particularly with inflation, can afford it,” he said. “Our daytime event will try to bridge that gap, providing activities, wellbeing activities, stalls and fun for all the family without the worry of how much it costs.”

He said it was the company’s first event of its kind. It is also meant to help families think about their mental health heading into Christmas.

Steve Hudson, also of Health Opportunities Devon, called the evening “a gig with a heart”.

Who is behind it

The council gave the organisers £1,030 from its City Grants scheme. That scheme has £60,000 a year for community projects. Other partners named by the council include:

  • Exeter City Community Trust
  • Exeter City Council
  • Mount Pleasant Health Centre
  • Age UK

The organisers are looking for business sponsors and have asked local firms to get in touch through Health Opportunities Devon.

What it means for you

  • Families: turn up at Exeter Phoenix, Bradninch Place, off Gandy Street (EX4 3LS), any time from 11am to 4pm on Sunday 6 December. It costs nothing.
  • Gig-goers: book through the Phoenix. The ticket price helps pay for the children’s presents.
  • The same day: Exeter City Community Trust’s Santa Fun Run also takes place in the city centre on 6 December, the council’s Christmas listings say. Our Christmas market guide and Santa’s grotto guide have more festive dates.