Exciting events in Tetbury this weekend

1. Panto season begins 

It's that time of year again, oh no it's not! Oh yes it is ! As tonight the Dolphins dramatic society present this year's pantomime Puss in Boots By Ben Crocker Directed by Alex Ball at the Dolphins Hall, New Church Street, Tetbury on the 28th - 30th November 2024 performances start at 7:30 pm although there is a special Saturday matinee that commences at 2:30 pm.

For more information or to get your tickets please visit www.dolphinsdrama.uk tickets are also available from Tetbury Hardware, London Rd, Tetbury the cost is Adults £11.00, Children £7.00 pound (under 16) Concessions £10.00

2. Join pushback against Black Friday 

Tonight November 28, is the Time to get ahead of Christmas rush and join the pushback against Black Friday.

By supporting our wonderful local businesses and discover unique treasures from 30 high street shops. From handmade crafts to delicious treats, there's something for everyone. This is our opportunity to come together and make this event a huge success for our community! Do Support our local shops with our Shop Early, Shop Small, Shop Tetbury with the campaign kickoff event.

They will be championing our amazing high street independents this night. Most shops will be open and hosting mini events, offering glasses of fizz.

3. Third Christmas show 

Tetbury’s popular town centre art gallery, Spencer House Gallery, takes a walk on the wild side for its third Christmas show: Wild Things is the theme of the exhibition, which features the work of more than 75 regional artists producing art of many styles and media – paintings, prints, drawings, ceramics, glass, textiles and wood among them.

Owner and curator, Chris Woodcock, is thrilled with the scope of the regional artists’ work: “As ever, our themes are hooks, not straitjackets – and our artists can interpret the theme in any way they like. Wonderful wild animals, wild landscapes and seascapes, wild emotions and wildlife of all kinds feature this time. The title is the perfect prompt for expressive use of materials and really uplifting concepts.”

The gallery will be open for late night shopping, till 8pm, tonight Thursday 28 and Friday 29 November and Thursday 5 December, as part of the first Tetbury Trail late night opening in the town and, on the 29th, coinciding with the Tetbury Christmas Lights switch-on event. On Thursday 5 December there will also be a Christmas market at St Marys’ Church from 3pm and free parking in the town.

Wild Things continues Thursday to Saturday, 10.30am-1pm and 2-4pm, and some Sundays closer to Christmas, 10.30am to 2pm, till 11 January. Entry is free.

4. Big Christmas light switch on event 

Tomorrow night, November 29 is the big Christmas light switch on event. Festivities start at 5.00pm, with the Lights switch-on by the Children from St Mary's Primary School who will be switching.on Tetbury’s spectacular Christmas lights at 6:30pm. Traditionally viewed as the start of the Tetbury Christmas with the town and the Market House/Town Hall will be magnificently illuminated, after the switch on.

This is a chance for the whole family to enjoy some fun, with traditional family Christmas event with street vendors and some shops open late for shopping. And of course Father Christmas will be making a welcome return and be in his grotto for children (of all ages) to meet and of course carol singing Will be lifting the Christmas spirit high. And as always special thanks must go to the Feoffees and The Thirteen, who work tirelessly to light the magnificent Town Hall/ Market House showcasing its own and indeed the Towns splendour. Grateful appreciation must go to the Lowsely-Williams family who donate to the magnificent Christmas trees that bring Christmas into the heart of Tetbury and decorated by Feoffees and The Thirteen.

Free parking after 4.00pm making it easier than ever to come and enjoy the night.

5. Classical music for young audiences 

On Sat 30 Nov 2024 10:30 Music for Miniatures – Baby Friendly Concerts Live classical music for young audiences Music for Miniatures presents baby-friendly concerts where there’s no need to sit still, dancing is encouraged, and everyone is welcome. 45 minutes of live classical music for you to enjoy with your little one.

Although predominantly classical, they showcase a wide range of music – folk, world, classical, jazz, and have featured orchestral instruments, choirs and instruments from around the world.Suitable for ages 0–4 years and their grown ups.

Music for Miniatures give regular family concerts across B&NES, Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire, and visit schools to inspire, educate, excite and connect children with live music.

This edition brings a flavour of Africa with Alain Rouamba and Servo Mputu, playing Kora, Mbira, Kamale Ngoni, Djembe, Congas, Cajon and Guitar Starts at 10.30am. Please bring your own cushions.

6. New type of contemporary modern Christmas service 

If you fancy a new type of contemporary modern Christmas service then next new 'Heart & Soul! Service on Sunday December 1 will be perfect Starting at 5.15pm offering an informal gathering with free Tea/Coffee/Cake.

Before the 6.00pm the Service begins. Heart & Soul is a new modern worship service at St Marys’ Tetbury which seeks to go on a journey of discovery exploring different ways of worshipping God. Each service may be different and they hope that they will offer something for all as we focus on what it means to worship God throughout each day of our lives. All are welcome to share this journey.

And will be at St Mary's Church Tetbury, on the 1st Sunday of every month. All Welcome. For more information email office@tetburychurch.co.uk or ring 01666500088.

7. Festive weekend filled with music and fun activities 

Tetbury Hospital is excited to invite you to a festive weekend filled with music, readings, carols, and fun activities for the whole family starting on Friday, 13 December 2024 Magical Festive Evening of Music, Readings & Carols at St Mary’s Church, Tetbury starting at 7:30 PM Featuring: Jubilate Chamber Choir, Jason Durr (Actor), Tom McEwen (Olympic Gold Medalist), Rose Farquhar (Soloist), and Alis Huws (Harpist) Tickets: £15 for adults (includes mulled wine, mince pies, and festive snacks), children 16 and under are FREE! Sponsored by Bluebook.agency

7. Christmas Stall under the Market House 

On Saturday, 14 December 2024 Christmas Stall under the Market House 10 AM - 1 PM Homemade goodies, mistletoe, potted hyacinths, and more for sale in aid of Tetbury Hospital.

8. Tetbury's popular and fun Santa Dash 

Sunday, 15 December 2024 Tetbury’s popular and fun Santa Dash Registration at 10.00am for an 11:30am start Meet and finish at the Market House Come dressed in your favourite festive attire and enjoy a fun route around the town with your complimentary Santa hat! Mince pies and mulled wine on your return.

Entry Fee: £5, children under 5 are FREE! Sponsored by Hunter French of Tetbury. For more information or to book any tickets, visit friendsoftetburyhospital.co.uk

9. Unique opportunity for Christmas 

A truly unique opportunity for Christmas Is taking place on December 5 at St Marys’ Church Tetbury putting a 21st-century spin on the ethos of the traditional Christmas Market, showcasing local businesses not having a traditional storefront, Such as Tetbury Larkhill vineyard, with its own established Tetbury wines!

St Mary's Church collaborating with Tetbury Chamber are pleased to present the new Tetbury pop up Christmas Market, with late night town shopping event. CDC have kindly offered free car parking after 3 o'clock in their two car parks opposite the Church. This perfect opportunity offering the chance to sample over 13 extra unique local businesses for that distinctive inspirational gift! . Giving the chance for shopping and complementing our many exquisite independent shops, many will be staying open late. Tetbury will be spectacularly lit giving you the chance to leisurely shop at your own pace and even partake of delicious eateries. You'll leave not only with bags full of incredible gifts but a renewed love for the festive season.The Church Pop up event will be open from 3.00pm-8.00pm maximising the free CDC car parking.

More information contact Coreen on 07918255772

10. Reliving their big day through paint 

Newlyweds Becky and Will Jeffery can relive the joy of their Tetbury summer wedding day at the town’s St Marys’ Church – thanks to their parents’ gift of a portrait of them having just tied the knot.

Accomplished regional artist, Oliver White, presented the happy couple with their portrait at the opening of the Christmas exhibition at Spencer House Gallery on Long Street. The specially-commissioned oil painting was a gift from parents, the Rev Steve and Linda Bullock, to their daughter and new son-in-law.

Steve, curate at St Marys’, accompanied daughter Becky up the aisle and also led the marriage service.

He said: “We wanted a lasting and unique memento of the day as our special gift to them. Chris, at Spencer House Gallery, arranged for us to meet up with Oliver and we all worked out the composition, including the distinctive church spire in the background. In order to get it absolutely right, Oliver even attended the wedding. He was a perfect match for us and we’re delighted with the result.”

Oliver added: “It’s been a really rewarding process – getting to know the couple so that I could reflect their personalities and their happiness in the painting, as all good portrait painters aim to do.” The family and artist were given a well deserved round of applause at the packed event sharing the joy and happiness.

Owner and curator, Chris Woodcock, of Tetbury’s popular town centre art gallery, Spencer House Gallery, was thrilled do use the launch/ private preview of its third Christmas show; Wild Things.