Lights fantastic Town buzzing with big festival
ASPECTACULAR firework display from the roof of the parish church in Cirencester left visitors to the town gasping in awe on Saturday following the Christmas light switch on.
Adults and children packed out the Market Place as the star attraction, Nell Gifford, founder of Gifford Circus, started the Christmas countdown and pushed the button to light up the streets.
Assisted by performers and a ‘unicorn’ from the circus, Nell was chosen to switch on the lights this year as 2018 marks the 250th anniversary of the modern circus.
Gifford’s entertains around 100,000 people a year in the south west and is loved by locals, rock starts and royalty.
During the day the Cirencester Advent Market was held alongside the regular monthly Cirencester Arts and Crafts Market, and there was street food and drink, fair rides and Santa took up residence to welcome youngsters at the Fleece Hotel.
Local singers and performers took to the stage for live performances to create a party atmosphere and people were still dancing as they made their way back to the car park.
As the fireworks from Cotswold Fireworks lit up the sky, one trader said the market had been the best she had every attended.
Shops and businesses also entered into the spirit of the day with special themes and promotions.
Cirencester Market and Events Officer, Sarah Bartlett said: “What a fantastic day and evening in Cirencester for the Advent festival on Saturday night.
“It was so lovely to see the people of Cirencester and Surrounding areas brave the rain to come and explore our lovely town and Markets.
“We had a great mix of traders, food and performances and the town was positively buzzing.
“We had some amazing performances on and off the stage, and we were thrilled to have Nell Gifford switching on the Christmas lights to honour the 250th anniversary of the circus.
“The performance by the very talented Gifford troupe was outstanding and we were so grateful that they supported our event. The event was a great success and a superb way to showcase the town and bring the community together with some Christmas spirit.
“This fantastic event would not have been possible without the support of the wonderful volunteers and the local businesses and organisations, so thank you to them and thank you to all the people that came and made the event so special.” echo.news@locaworld.co.uk