EXCITEMENT is building ahead of a brand-new festival which will take place in the Cotswold capital this weekend.

The very first Cotswold Homes & Interiors Festival will be held in Cirencester between 10am and 5pm on Saturday, March 2.

The main hub of activity, including a starry line-up of speakers, will be held at the Corn Hall but workshops will be going on across the town throughout the day.

Special guest Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, best known for presenting interior design show Changing Rooms, is due to give a Cotswold design talk between 12.15pm and 1pm. 

Shoppers will also be able to browse at a plethora of stalls selling a wide range of products from soft furnishings to ornaments and art inside the Corn Hall.

This exciting event has been organised by the Cotswold District Council, led by its economic development lead Paul James.

Mr James said conversations about hosting an event which would bring interior design talent from across the district together only began in autumn last year.

His idea quickly gained popularity and momentum within the council and CDC was able to acquire some funding from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund to make it a reality.

Mr James says if Saturday is a success, the festival will become an annual event.

He hopes the free festival will help promote businesses and generate footfall in the town centre.

The event also provides a fantastic opportunity for small business owners to interact with each other and network.

Mr James said: "It struck me that there were lots of really good homes and interiors businesses in Cirencester and the surrounding area, and I thought that this was something we ought to try and build upon.

"We hope, if this year is a success, to make this an annual event and to grow it every year.

"We want it to be reflective of talent that the wider area offers, not just in Cirencester, so have traders attending from across the district.

"We have a very strong home and interior sector in the Cotswolds and this festival will help highlight this and help it to grow.

"The response we have had from businesses and the public has been very positive.

"All we need now is for lots of people to turn up on Saturday!"

To find out more about the event visit tinyurl.com/45fmhe4h