Highlights
Cirencester puts its skates on!!! New for 2012 is the addition of a skating rink in the Abbey Grounds, steps away from the beautiful Parish Church. From the Market Place, take a walk through the Enchanted Trail and enjoy a half-hour on the ice, followed by a mug of hot chocolate! The skating rink will be open from midday - 8pm (30 November - 16 December).
Switching on of the Lights. On Friday 30 November, Cirencester will come alive with lights. The evening will kick off at 5:20pm with local Gloucesteshire band, The Roving Crows followed by Tom and Henry Herbert, The Fabulous Baker Brothers who will be on hand to flick the switch at 6pm - and don't forget to visit them for book signing at Octavia's Bookshop from 4pm to 5pm.
Lantern Procession. There will be a beautiful procession of paper lanterns through the streets of Cirencester taking place on Saturday 8th December. These lanterns are no ordinary, simple designs, but spectacular, colourful creations. The procession will be led by the Deer Park School Samba Band. Come out and watch - or take part! Click here or see below for more information. Workshops will take place at the New Brewery Arts on 10th, 17th and 24th November. To book, call 01285 657 181 or email .
Shoppers Carol Service. On Saturday 8th December, take some time to get into the festive spririt and sing traditional Christmas Carols in the beautiful surroundings of the Parish Church.
Festival Sundays. Join in the fun on Sunday 9th December and Sunday 16th December from 11:00am to 3:00pm, where there will be street entertainment ranging from Santa, Grandelf, Stiltwalking Angels, live reindeer and Comedy Shepherds street theatre.
Scheduled Events and Activities
We will be working throughout the year to book activities and entertainment during the Christmas Market. If you are interested in performing or busking, please contact us at 01453 872 731 or via . We would love to hear from any local schools or community groups that would be interested in performing.
Daily (Friday 30th November - Sunday 16th December)
Ice Skating in the Abbey Grounds from midday - 8pm. Set in the Abbey Grounds steps away from the Parish Church, enjoy skating, some lessons or perhaps just sit and enjoy with a mug of hot chocolate.
Festival of Trees in the Parish Church. View a host of 'dressed' Christmas trees during the duration of Cirencester's Christmas Market.
Friday, 30th November
4:00pm - 5:00pm - The Fabulous Baker Brothers Book Signing
Tom and Henry Herbert, The Fabulous Baker Brothers will be at Octavia's Bookshop to autograph copies of their book, 'The Fabulous Baker Brothers'.
5:20pm - The Roving Crows
Formed in early 2009 The Crows inexhaustible energy gives them stand alone status in the up-surging live music scene; boasting fiery fiddle playing, trumpet, guitar, drums, bass and vocals. Described as completely unique and uncontainable, an original Celtic vibe, also drawing influences from genres including jazz, ska, folk, kleizmer and blues. An unbridled festival sound, Crow 'n' Roll
6:00pm - Switching on the Christmas lights
Tom and Henry Herbert, The Fabulous Baker Brothers will be on hand to flick the switch at 6pm.
As well, the Heart Angels will be at the ceremony handing out mince pies, face painting and getting photos of you for the Heart website! Make sure you visit them in their Heart Alfesco area.
6:10pm - The Roving Crows
Saturday, 1st December
The Heart Angels will be on hand at the skating rink today. Look out for the Angels who will be face painting and giving you the chance to win a prize.
7:30pm - Cantores Chamber Choir, Parish Church
Cantores Chamber Choir is one of the Cotswolds' most accomplished amateur chamber choirs, founded in 1991 by local choral enthusiasts.
Sunday, 2nd December
10:00am: Advent Sunday Eucharist, led by the Bishop of Tewkesbury, Parish Church
6:00pm: Advent Service, Parish Church
Thursday, 6th December
6:00pm - 9:00pm: Cirencester Christmas Arts & Crafts Trail
More information coming soon.
Saturday, 8th December
11:00am: Shoppers Carol Service, Parish Church
Take time out to sing traditional Christmas Carols in the beautiful surroundings of the Parish Church.
3:00pm - 5:00pm: Cirencester Operatic Society
Dressed in Victorian costume, four members of the Cirencester Operatic Society will entertain visitors in Cirencester with a selection of Christmas Carols.
5:00pm: Lantern Procession
A charming procession of colourful and dramatic paper lanterns will be paraded through the town’s streets by their young creators.
Watch out for the Heart Angels who will also be taking part in the lantern procession. Get your santa hat from the Angels and get your photo onto heart.co.uk.
Special thanks to Dexdyne for providing lighting for the lanterns
7:30pm: Cirencester Choral Society, Parish Church
Three works by the 17th Century composer, Henry Purcell, including a concert performance of his opera 'Dido and Aeneas' with the Corinium Camerata and soloists from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Tickets from November from Visitor Information Centre, Members or www.cirencester-choral-soc.org.uk.
Sunday, 9th December
11:30am-12:30pm: Feast of St. Nicholas, Parish Church
Children and families will enjoy this hour long workshop and storytelling session.
11:00am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-4:00pm: Live Reindeer in Market Place
Come and visit Onni and Satu, our very own real live reindeer. There will be ample opportunity to have your photo taken with these lovely reindeer and if they are in a good mood, you may even get to pet them. Onni can be a bit aloof, but with a friendly smile and a gentle touch, you might just win her over.
11:00am-3:00pm: Santa and the Grandelf
A visit to Cirencester wouldn't be complete without Santa and the Grandelf.
Santa is a bit unhappy though ... he is grumbling about the weight of the sack on his back - there's a rather large and lively elf sitting on top of it, getting a free ride! Can you come out and cheer Santa up?
As well, Grandelf, the Tallest Elf in the World will be in town today. You'll easily be able to spot her in the crowd. To get one of her colourful balloon models, all you have to do is tell a Christmas joke or sing a Christmas song!
Brought to you courtesy of Bernie Bennett, Mango Productions
2:00pm-3:00pm: Cirencester Community Orchestra
Spend some time in the warmth of the Parish Church and enjoy a one-hour performance by The Cirencester Community Orchestra.
Thursday, 13th December
5:00pm-8:00pm: The Magnificent AK 47
The Magnificient AK 47 is a is an all male singing group from the Ashton Keynes area. They sings all sorts of a capella with no musical accompaniement ranging from Georgian choral pieces to daft Caribbean doggerel and fun stuff. They will be performing from 5:00pm-6:00pm in Market Place and from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Skating Rink.
7:00pm: It's a Wonderful Life, Corinium Museum
Celebrate Christmas in vintage style with the ultimate feel good Christmas film It's A Wonderful Life. An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he never existed. Directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart and Donna Reid.
Tickets cost: £5.50 (Adults); £4.50 (concessions)
To book call in to the Corinium Museum or telephone 01285 655 611
Friday, 14th December
7:30pm: Cirencester Silver Band 'Christmas Cracker', Parish Church
Saturday, 15th December
7:30pm: Charity Christmas Concert with Oriel Singers and Pam Ayres, Parish Church
Sunday, 16th December
11:00am-3:00pm: Festive Angels
Two beautiful angels will be paying a visit to Cirencester today. They will delight visitors from above with their magical smiles and cheerful wit all the while delighting young and old alike. Brought to you courtesy of Dangerous Productions.
11:00am-3:00pm: Comedy Shepherds
Down from the Wild and Windy Wolds three local Shepherds have come down to see what Cirencester is all about at Christmas. Two sheep and a sheep dog tag along for the ride and have to be dealt with. Rather than be sent home in disgrace, the sheep decide to show what they are truly capable of and put on a small display of Sheep-like dexterity and wooly walkabout wonderment. Courtesy of The Fabulous Old Spot Theatre Company.
6:00pm: Holy Trinity Traditional Carol Service, Holy Trinity Church
Lantern Making Workshops, New Brewery Arts
As part of Christmas in Cirencester 2012, there will be a beautiful procession of paper lanterns through the streets of Cirencester to the Market taking place on Saturday 8th December starting at 5pm. In the weeks running up to the Christmas in Cirencester celebrations, there will be 3 workshops organised at New Brewery Arts where children can learn how to make these wonderful lanterns. This is very much a fun family activity so parents, brothers and sisters are all encouraged to take part.
The workshops will take place from 10am to 1pm as follows:
- Saturday 10th November
- Saturday 17th November
- Saturday 24th November
For bookings and enquiries, please contact New Brewery Arts on 01285 657 181 or email .
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Specialist Shopping in Cirencester
The town itself has a wonderfully diverse mix of independent shops alongside high street stores with an antique and crafts market in the Corn Hall and charming courtyards, back streets, and winding alleyways which link one street or area of the town to another. Take some time to enjoy the following:
- Swan Yard / The Old Post Office
- The Stableyard
- Corn Hall Arcade
- The Woolmarket
- Black Jack Street
- Silver Street (just off Black Jack Street)
- Bishop’s Walk
- And of course the shops that line Market Place
For more information about shopping in Cirencester,visit www.cirencestershopping.co.uk.
For a virtual tour of the town, click here.
Download the map here or click the image.
New Brewery Arts
Based in a former, beautifully converted, brewery in the centre of Cirencester New Brewery Arts is home to a Gallery showing exciting contemporary exhibitions, 18 residents, a large craft gallery shop featuring British artisans, The New Brewery Arts Café, a delightful theatre space and four education studios hosting a multitude of art and craft courses and workshops.
Check in with New Brewery Arts to see what activities and theatre shows are planned for Christmas 2012.
For more information on New Brewery Arts, visit www.newbreweryarts.org.uk.
Open Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm. Sunday 10am – 4pm. Free admission.
Corn Hall
In the centre of Cirencester, just a few paces from the Christmas Market, is a beautifully refurbished Corn Hall, where there will be a daily programme of indoor fairs and markets during the Christmas Market period. Some of the fairs include the following:
The Corn Hall Home, Fashion & Garden Bazaar - A great mix of fabulous gift ideas from jewellery,to cushions, sheepskin cowhide and reindeer rugs to plants eco friendly products, hypnotherapy, photography, kitchen design, homewares, pictures, seasonal and gift food and drink.
Every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am – 6pm www.cornhallcirencester.com
Antiques & Collectables Market- An eclectic mix of furniture, brass, art, jewellery, linens, coins and collectables and more.
Every Friday from 9am - 3pm
The Cotswold Craft Market - A large selection of handmade items including stained glass, jewellery, ceramics, woodware, artwork and textiles.
Every 2nd and 4th Saturday from 10am - 4:30pm
www.cotswoldcraftmarket.co.uk
The Original Craftsman’s Market - hand crafted furniture art, clothes, mosaic, patchwork, pottery, soap, jewellery, leatherwork and more..
Every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 10am – 4:30pm
www.originalcraftsmansmarket.com
The Charter Market
The Charter Market will continue to trade on their usual days (Monday and Friday) alongside the Christmas Market at the top end of Market Place,with some year round stallholders trading every day. The exception is Saturday 1st and Saturday 8th December when the regular farmer’s market traders will be held. For more information on the Charter Market visit
Monday's and Friday's 9am – 4pm or later.
Cirencester Farmers Market
Every second Saturday more than 25 local producers, sell all kinds of food and drink, including rare breed meat from Elizabeth Hurley’s farm! The Market will be situated at the top end of Market Place beside the Christmas Market. For more information visit www.cirencesterfarmersmarket.com.
Saturday 1st December and 8th December 9am – 4pm or later.
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Historic Cirencester
Home to one of the largest collections the Romans to the woollen trade, explore the history of the Cotswolds at The Corinium Museum, an inspiring and interactive experience with hands on activities for the whole family.
The multi award winning Corinium Museum is home to one of the largest collections of Romano-British antiquities,extensively from Roman Britain's second largest city Corinium. Admire the work of Prehistoric metal smiths. Experience life as a Roman. Marvel at the stunning Roman mosaics as you take a peek through the window of a Roman town house. Come face to face with the Anglo Saxons and their buried treasures. Be amazed by the Medieval Sculpture and Civil War coin hoards and experience the elegance of Georgian Cirencester.
The museum is fully accessible with a Cafe attached which serves morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea and the Gift Shop sells a wide range of products inspired by the Museums collections and the Cotswolds and priced to suit all pockets. Corinium Museum is also home to the Cirencester Visitor Information Centre where you can get tickets for local events and coach tours, book accommodation and find information on local attractions, activities and transport.
Exhibitions and Events in November 2012
Exhibitions and Events in December 2012
Contact details: Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2BX
Tel: 01285 655611 Email:
Website: www.coriniummuseum.cotswold.gov.uk.
Opening hours of Corinium Museum during the Christmas season: November to March (inclusively): Monday to Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm, Sundays 2:00pm to 4:00pm Monday Closed 23rd to 26th December and 1st January
The Parish Church
Tours of this extraordinary building can be booked through the Parish Office, and an opportunity to see the newly refurbished Father Willis organ. During your visit, do drop in to the Corner Stone Book and Coffee Shop for a tea, coffee and a piece of cake.
The Church will have many activities taking place during the Christmas season while the Christmas Market is taking place. Stay tuned for a listing of activities and events.
Please take time to explore the links on the website at www.cirenparish.co.uk to see the many activities and events that go on within this historic and busy parish.
As well, a visit to the Church coffee and book shop on Dollar Street is well worth a visit - boasting the 'cheapest' coffee in Cirencester with a free biscuit and a lovely selection of homemade cakes.
Street Pastors
Cirencester Street Pastors is an initiative of Churches Together in Cirencester in association with the Ascension Trust (the national organising body of Street Pastors), local police and the local authority. It is part of a national inter-denominational church response to urban problems, with Street Pastors engaging with vulnerable people on the streets late at night and early in the mornings to listen, talk and care.
Since launching last year, the first 18 recruits now patrol the streets on Cirencester on Saturday evenings.
For general information on what's going on in and around the Cotswolds, please click here to view CotswoldTV.
