Christmas Markets
Cirencester Town Council has released details of this year’s Festive Markets, including details of Cirencester’s biggest Advent Markets, on Saturday 25th November and Sunday 26th November.
The Advent Market and Light Switch-On event will include a 2-day street market on the 25th and 26th November with over 200 stalls across the two days, music, live performances, street entertainment, activities, big screens and much more! The town centre will be closed to traffic and stalls will extend from Castle Street to the top of Cricklade Street and throughout the length of the Market Place, as far as the Fleece Hotel. The market will run from 10am-6pm on Saturday 25th and 10am-4pm on Sunday 26th.
A few changes have been made since last year in response to feedback: the main Market Place will become a Food Plaza providing more space and featuring artisan food and drink stalls with tables and benches and the chance to stop and sit. Santa and his sleigh may also make an appearance.
A new addition for 2023 is the Snowman Trail in which 9 willow snowmen, built as part of a local community art project in Cirencester, will be located around the main shopping areas in the town centre. Completing the trail offers a chance to enter the free prize draw to win exciting prizes donated by local businesses like Mudbear Golf and Barn Theatre. Just find the snowmen and record the colour of their scarves. Entry forms will be available from the Local Information Centre, Bingham House and in all the businesses hosting a snowman. The closing date is the 6th January.
In partnership with Keystone Conference & Event Management Ltd, there will be a programme of performances inside the Parish Church on the 25th November, featuring local dance and theatre groups, choirs and musicians. Cirencester’s self-proclaimed ‘Mr. Christmas’, Vernon Harwood will be the compere for the day. This will also be live streamed onto the big screens on the Market Place.
The Christmas Light Switch On ceremony will begin at approximately 4pm on 25th November, with lead sponsor, Sewell Mullings Logie and the Mayor of Cirencester, Councillor Sabrina Dixon, doing the honours. A short silent firework display, courtesy of Cotswold Fireworks, will follow. Falling snow, street entertainment and light projections in the Market Place will add to the festive atmosphere.