The Corn Exchange is Exeter’s largest city centre venue with Comedy, Dance, Music and much more. The theatre, business, music and entertainment venue is located in the heart of the city centre and offers a full and diverse programme of events and shows. The Corn Exchange is conveniently situated for good public transport links and parking, and nearby plenty of pubs and restaurants for the Exeter dweller.
Venue Details:
Venue Name: Exeter Corn Exchange
Address: Market Street, Exeter, EX1 1BW
Contact Email: box.office@exeter.gov.uk
Contact Phone Number: 01392 665938
A bit of history:
The current building was commissioned to replace a structure known as the “Lower Market”, which was bounded by Fore Street, Market Street, Guinea Street and Milk Street. The Lower Market was designed by Charles Fowler in the neoclassical style, built in ashlar stone and was officially opened on 9 December 1836. The principal rooms were a long colonnaded main hall which was used as a butchers’ market and a room, above the main entrance in Guinea Street, which operated as a corn exchange. The Lower Market was badly damaged by German bombing in the Baedeker Blitz on 4 May 1942 during the Second World War and was consequently demolished in the late 1950s.
Following a refurbishment in 2007, the building was re-branded as the “Corn Exchange” recalling one of the uses of the earlier structure on the site. The works, which cost £1.8 million, involved improvements to the auditorium on the first floor as well as the conversion of the ground floor into a sustainable “food emporium”. In January 2020, Exeter City Council confirmed that it was considering making further improvements to the Corn Exchange as an alternative to commissioning a completely new venue for major public events in the city. One of the episodes of the BBC New Comedy Award was held at the venue in 2022.
Source: Wikipedia
Music Genre(s) and Themes:
What genres of music are regularly performed at your venue?
All sorts! Folk, Rock, Motown, Soul, Pop, Musicals, Northern Soul, Classical, Tribute Acts. We include ‘An Evening With…’ shows in our programme, often with musicians, hosting John Lydon, Martin Fry, Francis Rossi, Paul Young, Marti Pellow, and Suggs; and there is also a bi-monthly Record Fair at the venue.
Event Information:
Tell us about your upcoming events or recurring music nights:
Upcoming – The Zombies, Kate Rusby, Lloyd Cole, Tommy Blaize (The Voice of Strictly Come Dancing!), Steeleye Span, The Drifters, Shaun Ryder (an evening with), and tribute shows Taylormania: Taylor Swift Eras Tour, The Cavern Beatles, MANIA: The ABBA Tribute, Bon Jovi Forever, Letz Zep, The Simon & Garfunkel Story.
What are some memorable past events or collaborations?
The venue has been running for over 60 years so we’re not short of great past events. Seth Lakeman, Joan Armatrading, Stiff Little Fingers, Scouting For Girls, Tommy Emmanuel, Ward Thomas, Flo & Joan, The Dubliners, Billy Bragg, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, T’Pau, Australian Pink Floyd…
What is the average cost of tickets? £20-£30
Venue facilities:
Describe the capacity of your venue (standing/seated): 500
Are any specific amenities available at your venue (e.g., bar, dance floor, outdoor seating)?
Bar, flexible seating which can be theatre or cabaret style, or a mix of dancefloor and unreserved seating.
Is there disability access?
Yes. Check our website for more information. https://exetercornexchange.co.uk/about-us/access/
Is there a cloakroom? No
Food/Drink? Full bar, alcoholic and soft beverages, teas and coffees, also serving snacks (nuts, crisps, sweets)
Dogs allowed? Assistance Dogs only
Accommodation and Travel:
Are there any nearby accommodations that you recommend to visitors attending your events?
We’re in the city centre, so there are many hotels available. Hotel du Vin, the Southernhay House Hotel and Hotel Indigo are close by for a comfortable night!
Are there public transport links nearby?
Exeter Central Station is less than a 10-minute walk from the Venue, and there are buses throughout the city, with a stop 1-minute walk away.
Eateries and Refreshments:
Does your venue provide food/refreshments?
Only bar snacks, crisps, nuts, sweets, interval ice cream
Can you name 3/4 recommended eateries or restaurants near your venue?
The Fat Pig, Namaste, Portal Pizza, The Hourglass Inn.
Places of Interest:
Are there any notable attractions, landmarks, or points of interest near your venue that visitors may enjoy exploring?
Exeter Cathedral, the Underground Passages, The RAMM.
Is there a recommended record shop/music shop/place of musical interest nearby?
The Corn Exchange is a stone’s throw from Fore Street, with Rooster Records and The Music Depot, a brand new music shop, side by side; further down the hill in McCoy’s Arcade, you’ll find Life Guitars and Francis Kay selling vintage technology, including Hi-Fis, radios, and record players!
Red Coats Guided Tours Programme
Discover one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in England with Exeter’s Red Coat Guides.
These FREE guided walking tours operate daily throughout the year, offering a wide range from which to choose.
Meet your Red Coat Guide at the starting point and discover historic Exeter for yourself.
THE FUN PART
Quick-fire faves
Most memorable gig? Suggs (2021) for music, Eddie/Suzy Izzard (1995) for comedy.
Best booking so far for 2024? The Zombies.
Describe the venue in three words? Friendly, Flexible, Eclectic
If the venue was a song, what would it be? Variety is the Spice of Life – The Doors
For more on Insider recommendations for Exeter, head over to our Exeter webpage.