Scheduled Events and Activities
If you have any special events planned during the festive season, we would love to hear about it. Or, if you are interested in performing or busking, please contact 01453 872 731or via . We would love to hear from any local schools, performers, bands, choirs or community groups that would be interested in performing.
Daily (Friday 30th November - Sunday 16th December)
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. Open 12-8pm weekdays and 10am-8pm Saturdays and Sundays up to Sunday 16th December. Adults £6/Students & OAP's £5/Under 16's £4. Skates hire included. Come and have some fun!!! For more information about the skating rink, please contact Jamie Walton at 01285 655 646 or via .
Cirencester Treasure Trail. A fun way to discover Cirencester AND a chance to win a family outing. Simply locate the 12 missing Drummers located in various locations around Cirencester. Three lucky families will win tickets to the Garlic Theatre production of 'Little Red Robin Hood' at New Brewery Arts. Click here for full instructions and clues.
Festival of Trees in the Parish Church. View a host of 'dressed' Christmas trees during the duration of Cirencester's Christmas Market from 10:00am to 4:00pm daily.
Charity Blind Auction. F. Hinds Jewellers on Cricklade Street are running a blind auction in aid of the Cotswold Care Hospice. The charity auction will be running in the shop until 19th December 2012 and the winning bid will be advised on 20th December. Click here for more details.
Friday, 30th November
We are delighted to let you know that on Friday 30th November for the Lights Switchon Ceremonies - there will be FREE PARKING available from 4pm at the Forum and the Waterloo Car Parks.
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'.
4:00pm - Grand Reopening of G. Hortons Chemist
After extensive refurbishment The Rt. Hon. Earl Bathurst will officially re-open Hortons Pharmacy at Market Place, Cirencester on Friday 30th November at 4pm.
The premises have sympathetically been brought into the 21st Century with improved fixtures, lighting and flooring but have retained some of the original fixtures to maintain its independent character and feel. A new Consultation Room has been added and the extended Dispensary will enable the pharmacy team to offer all NHS services as well as additional ones. Flu vaccinations have already started - no appointment necessary.
FREE prescription Collection and Delivery service: Hortons Pharmacy will collect your prescription from Cirencester and Rendcomb surgeries. They also offer a free delivery service within a 5 mile radius.
New products are now in stock, including such brands as Clarins and Dior and the pharmacy boasts an extensive array of premium fragrances.
4:40-5:00pm - Cirencester Kingshill School Samba Band and friends
The Cirencester Kingshill School Samba Band and friends will entertain you with some lively samba music in the Market Place.
5:00pm - 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
5:30pm - 5:50pm - Abbie Lea
Local performer, Abbie Lea will take to the stage and perform some Christmas and pop songs.
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 and taking some 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
11:00am - Skating Rink Grand Opening with the cast of 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' and the Heart Angels.
'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' comes to the Cirencester Skating Rink! This mysterious land of deep magic is brought vividly to life by the Cirencester College's performing arts team who will entice you with a sneak preview at the opening of the skating rink. The show runs from 11th-14th December at the Sundial Theatre. Tickets available online www.sundial-theatre.co.uk or call 01285 654 228.
The Heart Angels will also be on hand at the skating rink today offering face painting.
7:30pm-10:00pm: 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
2:00pm - 3:00pm: Cirencester Band, Market Place
3.00pm-4:00pm: Schools Carol Concert, Parish Church
6:00pm-7:15pm: Advent Service, Parish Church
Thursday, 6th December
5:00pm – 6:00pm – Cirencester Community Choir
6:00pm - 9:00pm: Cirencester Christmas Arts & Crafts Trail
Between 6pm and 9pm on Thursday 6th December, four Cirencester galleries will throw wide their doors with a warm Christmas welcome. For more information, click here.
Friday, 7th December
8:00pm : The Cirencester Christmas Poetry Slam, New Brewery Arts
It’s a cracker of a contest as merry gentlemen and women aim to move your hearts and hearing parts with festive verse and verve! A jovial performance poetry competition that sorts the sugar plum fairies from the pantomime dames! Join the applause and Yule and have a slamtastic night.
Tickets: £8 (www.newbreweryarts.org.uk / Tel: 01285 657 181)
Saturday, 8th December
11:00am-12:00pm: Shoppers Carol Service, Parish Church
Take time out to sing traditional Christmas Carols in the beautiful surroundings of the Parish Church.
12:00pm - 2:00pm: A Celebration of Christmas directed by Maria Jagusz. Enjoy a preview of Christmas favourites from Maria Jagusz from their upcoming concert on 15th December.
2:00pm - 3:00pm: Siren Sisters
The Siren Sisters will perform a variety of Christmas favorites with their vocal close harmony, sung with energy, style and charm. Siren Sisters was formed in 2007 as an excuse for Graham Loveday to hang out legitimately with 12 attractive women. All the original members came from Ashton Keynes, but changes of personnel mean they now have a couple of 'outsiders'. The group's trademark remains a broad and eclectic repertoire, ranging from a Bulgarian folk tune and medieval polyphony to Eric Whitacre, Dave Brubeck, Abba, Queen and Coldplay, not to mention Christmas carols - all performed with energy and style. The group's shows have raised more than £15,000 for local causes and Water aid. For more inforamtion about hosting a fundraising show, contact Graham on or see their website www.sirensisters.org.uk.
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. 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. For anyone interested in joining the lantern procession, we will meet at the Bathurst Estate Yard at 4:45pm. The parade will start promptly at 5:00pm. The route will start at the Bathurst Estate Yard, down Black Jack Street, behind the Parish Church through the Enchanted Trail to the skating rink, back via the Enchanted Trail to Market Place, we will loop Market Place twice with a photo opportunity at the Parish Church when finished. We will be publishing photos on our website and facebook, and if you or your children do not wish to be photographed, please advise our photographer on site.
Special thanks to Dexdyne for providing lighting for the lanterns
7:30pm-10:00pm: 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
12:30pm-1:30pm: A Tudor Christmas, Parish Church
Children and families will enjoy an hour long workshop and storytelling session with Cherry Hubbard.
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 Elf on Wheels
A visit to Cirencester wouldn't be complete without Santa and his helper, the Elf on Wheels.
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, an Elf on his cycle will be in town today. You'll easily be able to spot her in the crowd.
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. They will be performing a mixture of Christmas Favourites as well as more traditional Orchestra repertiore. If you would like to get in touch with the orchestra, please .
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-9:30pm: Cirencester Silver Band 'Christmas Cracker', Parish Church
7:45pm: Brewery Blues CHRISTMAS PARTY with the Keith Thompson Blues Band
Back on home turf after a year of touring the USA and Europe, trust Keith to give a real Christmas treat to end the 2012 Brewery Blues Session. Tickets: £8 in advance, £9 on the night. Booking advisable (www.newbreweryarts.org.uk / Tel: 01285 657 181)
Saturday, 15th December
10:30am-4:30pm - Salvation Army Band
1:00-1:30pm - Ciren Samba Band
Bringing a little bit of Brazil to Cirencester, enjoy the sounds of Ciren Samba!
7:30pm: A Celebration of Christmas directed by Maria Jagusz. Enjoy an evening of musical performance at Bingham Hall (King Street, Cirencester, GL7 1JT) including Christmas favourites and songs from Cinderella, Snow White, Anastasia, Hansel and Gretel and the Snowman. Tickets from £8 and are available from the Cirencester Visitor's Centre. 01285 654 180. Click here for more information.
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
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 181or email [email protected]
Sundial Theatre
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
11th-14th December
An enchanted wardrobe, four children, a faun and a lion ... This Christmas let yourself be drawn into the spell-bound world of Narnia, as C.S. Lewis 'The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe' comes to the Sundial Theatre. A classic story of good versus evil, in which four children wage war against the sinister White Witch with the help of the fearless King Aslan. This mysterious land of deep magic is brought vividly to life by Cirencester College's performing arts team who will be enticing you with a sneak preview at the opening of the ice rink on Saturday 1st December.
Tickets are available online www.sundial-theatre.co.uk or through the box office at 01285 654 228.
