A BONANZA of Christmas events is taking place in Cirencester this festive season.
The Yuletide programme, which begins on Sunday, November 24, boasts events ranging from a Festive Farmers’ Market to the well-known Advent Market & Light Switch-On.
Helping to kick off the Christmas season is a Christmas Gift Market in the Market Place from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, November 24.
Meanwhile, the Advent Market & Light Switch-On - a highlight in the Cirencester calendar - takes place in the town centre on Saturday, November 30 from 10am to 6pm.
The market continues from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, December 1.
Cirencester’s streets are hosting over 200 stalls across the two days, with different traders on both.
The Food Plaza is back on the main Market Place, featuring artisan food and drink stalls with tables and benches.
Additional seating, stalls and activities can also be found in West Market Place.
Cirencester’s Light Switch-On ceremony, featuring town mayor Sarah Orr, is being broadcast on three big screens located on the Market Place and West Market Place rather than a stage.
This is to allow more space for crowd safety.
The show takes place between 3.55pm and 4.35pm, followed by a short, low-noise firework display to celebrate the start of Advent.
West Market Place is offering family entertainment, Santa and his sleigh and helpers from Cirencester Round Table.
There are also hot chestnut and toasted marshmallow sellers, performances and a chance to sparkle for the camera at an Instagram-worthy selfie station.
Furthermore, performances featuring local talent take place inside the Parish Church of St John Baptist on November 30.
These are being shown simultaneously on the three big screens.
The church will be closed while the switch-on ceremony takes place.
The festive programme continues with a special weekend Christmas Market from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, December 7 and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, December 8.
This features live music and street entertainment.
Meanwhile, a Farmers’ Market takes place from 9am to 2.30pm on Saturday, December 14, followed by a Festive Farmers’ Market from 9am to 2.30pm on Saturday, December 21.
There are also Christmas Gift Markets from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, December 15, from 9am to 5pm from Tuesday, December 17 to Thursday, December 19 and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, December 22.
The Charter Markets are being held as normal but will be closed on Friday, December 27 and Monday, December 30, as well as on Wednesday, January 1.
November 30 additionally sees the launch of the Snowman Trail for 2024.
Participants can check out local shops and find the trail’s willow snowmen, who will be returning with a new challenge this year.
Will you find them all and decipher the Christmas-themed word?
Entry forms will be available from Cirencester Local Information Centre at Bingham House in Dyer Street, as well as at all the businesses hosting a snowman.
Entries will also be accepted online.
The closing date is Sunday, January 5, and completed entries will be entered into a prize draw.
Road closures will be in place in the town centre between 5.30pm on Friday, November 29 and midnight on Sunday, December 1.
These will be managed by the AA, and there will be signed diversions in place.
There will be access for householders affected, but deliveries and contractors must be arranged outside the closure times.
Dollar Street will offer access only, while Gosditch Street will be closed from Loveday Mews.
Cricklade Street will be closed at the Castle Street junction, and Castle Street itself will be closed at the Silver Street junction.
Dyer Street will be closed at the North Way junction, while Black Jack Street will be closed at the Park Street junction.
For more details on events in Cirencester, visit cirencester.gov.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here