Inspired by similar events such as Philadelphia’s First Friday and Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll in the US, First Thursday will take place on the first Thursday of each month from June to September, turning Exeter’s Gandy Street into a lively space filled with entertainment, shopping, food and community activities.

The programme brings together independent shops, cafés, cocktail bars and arts venues to create a welcoming evening experience for residents and visitors alike. Organisations including Exeter Phoenix, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter Library and the University of Exeter are all involved. The university will host pop-up Seed Talks during the events, helping to share research and ideas with the wider community in an accessible and informal way. The first ever event kicked off with Exeter researchers Flora Hemming exploring executive functioning and asking “Why is it so easy for you and so hard for me?” and Dr James Dyke asking “Is there intelligent life on earth?”. The lightning talks were followed by a “disco popapocalypse” courtesy of Dyke’s alter ego, DJ Doctor Doom.

Visitors to First Thursdays can enjoy live music, comedy performances, street entertainment, late-night shopping and special food and drink offers throughout the evening. The initiative highlights how businesses and organisations across Exeter are working together to support the local economy, celebrate independent traders and create new cultural experiences in the city centre.