Where: Cirencester town centre

Saturday, December 1, 11am to 7.30pm

Nell Gifford, founder of Gifford's Circus, will be Cirencester's special guest this year to switch on the town's Christmas Lights.

Nell joined the circus when she was 18 and started her own circus with her fiancé Toti Gifford, a farmer's son from Cheltenham, in 2000.

Giffords Circus has toured the South West ever since, entertaining up to 100,000 people a year and is beloved of locals, farmers, rock stars, royalty and runaways everywhere!

Nell lives in the Cotswolds with her family and has been the executive producer of all 17

Gifford's Circus shows and is a performer, horse trainer and designer. She has also published three books about circus life and history.

Cirencester's Advent Festival, which is being organised by Cirencester Town Council's Advent Team, will take place on Saturday, December 1, from 11am to 7.30pm. The day will culminate with the traditional light switch-on ceremony from 6.30pm and a display by Cotswold Fireworks at 7pm.

Shops and businesses are being asked to enter into the spirit of the day with special themes, entertainment and special promotions.

Cirencester market and events officer Sarah Bartlett said: "We've got some great traders, street food and drink caterers attending, plus fair rides for the children and Santa's Grotto at the Fleece Hotel.

"There will be live stage performances and some pop-up performances taking place throughout the town."

Cllr Sabrina Poole, part of the organising team, said: "I am delighted that we can celebrate the Cotswolds' very own circus talent on the 250th anniversary year of the modern Circus.

"The event relies heavily on community input, so we welcome volunteers from the local community to help make the day run as smoothly as possible."