A RADIO station in Cirencester is hosting a series of events in the run-up to the inaugural edition of a town festival.

Community Upstart, held by Cirencester Radio, showcases people and groups eager to share their passion for history ahead of the new Cirencester History Festival.

Taking place from Saturday, October 19 to Friday, October 25, the event from the community station promises talk, music, images and refreshments.

The programme kicks off on October 19 with Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard contributor Robert Heaven discussing Cirencester over the past 150 years.

This takes place at Cirencester Baptist Church in Chesterton Lane.

The following day, Lady She - presenter of Cirencester Radio’s Lady She and Friends - invites an exclusive group of guests to an Upstart vintage tea party, with David Ible singing some old favourites.

On Monday, October 21, presenters Malcolm and Alex introduce an audience to Cirencester’s music icons at St Peters Court in St Peter’s Road.

Later, a Cirencester Civic Society event at Ashcroft Hall in Ashcroft Road introduces attendees to the couple who discovered the mammoth behind the BBC’s Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard.

The Community Upstart programme continues on Wednesday, October 23, when u3a members’ military history group at Daglingworth Village Hall provides an account of a recent tour to World War I battlefields.

A concert led by newly-appointed organist Thomas Hawkes also takes place that day at the Parish Church of St John Baptist in Cirencester’s Market Place.

On Thursday, October 24, there is an opportunity to get to know artist Laurie Plant, while the following day, a u3a cycling group is undertaking a route through Bagendon, Elkstone and Daglingworth for u3a members.

Then, on Friday, October 25, an event organised by Hundred Heroines uncovers the story of photographer Dorothy Wilding from Gloucester to New York.

Community Upstart will also join Cirencester History Festival on Sunday, November 3 with a private viewing of Threads of history: picking at Cirencester's past.

Created by students from Cirencester College under the leadership of author and producer George, this short video explores the history of Cirencester.

Cirencester Radio has its roots in the former Cirencester community radio station Corinium Radio.

Most Community Upstart events are free, though a small donation on the door may be requested to cover costs.

Booking is encouraged as venues may fill up quickly.

For updates about Community Upstart events and to book tickets, visit cirencesterradio.co.uk