Stars of ‘This Country’ to switch on Cirencester’s lights this year.
Cirencester Town Council, organisers of the Cirencester Sparkles Advent Festival, is delighted to announce that Charlie and Daisy May Cooper, stars from the BBC’s hit mockumentary, This Country, will be joining the Christmas fun and switching on the town’s lights on Saturday 2nd December.
Charlie and Daisy May, who co-wrote and starred in the comical six part series exploring the lives of two cousins from Northleach, Kerry and Lee ‘Kurtan’ Mucklowe will be sharing some laughs with the crowd and getting the festive celebrations underway at this year’s event. The hilarious BBC3 show which has received nationwide acclaim, receiving over four million views has been so successful; a second series has been commissioned by the BBC which is currently being filmed locally. Excitingly, the pair has recently been selected in the British Academy of Film and Arts’ 20 Breakthrough Brits and will be supported by the Academy over the coming year.
Inviting Charlie and Daisy May along was an exciting prospect for all involved, they said “We are so excited and honoured to be asked to switch on the Christmas lights in our home town of Cirencester. We’ve only ever had two dreams in our life. One is to switch on the Christmas lights in Cirencester, and the other is to one day afford lunch at ‘Made by Bob’s’.”
This year’s event focuses on the abundance of local young talent and will also host the live premier of ‘A Song for Cirencester’. Cirencester Town Council has partnered with the Barn Theatre’s creative team, who have written the song, which will be sung and filmed at the event. The song will be released as a charity single with all proceeds going to two mental health charities; Cotswold Counselling and Mind. Join in on the fun and go to www.barntheatre.org.uk
“The Barn Theatre is delighted to team up with Cirencester Town Council for ‘A Song for Cirencester’ at this year’s Advent Festival. People are invited to learn the song through our online tutorial video and our workshops, or to just turn up and join in the singing at the Advent Festival itself. We hope to create a huge choir of people on 2nd December, bringing the community together to celebrate Christmas and raising money for a cause we’re truly passionate about.” Iwan Lewis, Artistic Director, The Barn Theatre.
Cirencester Sparkle’s Advent Festival will be bigger and better this year, including a giant screen projecting the sights and sounds of the festival, a special vintage and acoustic stage, ‘The Itzehoe Stage’, on Cricklade Street, featuring local artists, festive markets extending into Cricklade and Castle Streets as well as the main Market Place; featuring fair rides, Santa story telling, a colouring competition, main stage, delicious local street food & drink and much more.
“The Advent Team is really excited about this year’s event. It champions young talent in the town, showcasing a truly local representation of what this town really has to offer. This year will see the introduction of a new musical stage, an expansion of the existing market offering as well as some new things for this year. We want to create a memorable and happy day out for everyone in Cirencester where the community can come together to celebrate and ensure the legacy of the Advent Festival continues to go from strength to strength.” Becky Coles, Community Services Manager Cirencester Town Council.
What’s more, there will be lots of fun and surprises throughout the day as shops and businesses are being asked to help make Cirencester Sparkle by entering into the spirit of the day with special themes, entertainment and special promotions.
The event, organised by Cirencester Town Council, will take place on Saturday 2nd December from 11.00am to 9.00pm culminating with the traditional switch on ceremony from 6.30pm including the lights on, a Song for Cirencester and culminating in a Cotswold Fireworks display at approximately 7.00pm.
A special Christmas in Cirencester programme containing the event’s full programme, and a full event listing will be available around town and at the event soon. The event is made possible through the support of our headline sponsor; Alison Fielden & Co and valued sponsors Wenn Townsend and Ermin Fosse Financial Management.
Please note the town centre will be closed to traffic from 9.00am to 9.00pm, more information on the road closures and the event itself can be found at www.cirencester.gov.uk/christmas-in-cirencester.
It is not too late to get involved. Please contact the Advent Team to let them know what you are doing or would like to do by email at info@cirencester.gov.uk or call 01285 655 646.
Follow the build up and the event on the Town Council’s social media channels; Facebook @CirencesterTC; Twitter @Cirentc and Instagram cirencester town council. Join in the fun by using the hashtag #CirenAdventFestival.
INFORMATION FOR EDITORS
Advent and Arts & Craft Market 11am – 7pm
Road Closures for the Market Place with effect from 9am to 9pm
Cotswold Markets Arts & Craft Market 3 December 10am to 5pm
Cotswold Markets Christmas Gift Market 11 to 15 December from 9am to 4pm
Christmas Markets 16 & 17 December from 10am – 5pm
Christmas Friday Charter Markets 9am – 3pm
Christmas Farmers Market from 8.30am to 2.30pm (second and fourth Saturday of December).
Kind regards
Suzie Lew
Cirencester Market and Events Officer
t: 01285 655646 m: 07460 441227 e:suzie@cirencester.gov.uk w: www.cirencester.gov.uk
Cirencester Charter Market
Every Monday & Friday
9.00am – 3.00pm
Cirencester Farmers’ Market
Every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the Month
8.30am – 2.30pm
Cirencester Arts & Craft Market
Every 1st Saturday of the Month
9.00am – 5.00pm
t: 01285 655646 w: www.cirencester.gov.uk