Winter Weekender hosts free Christmas cinema, concerts and comedy

Where: Kings Square, Gloucester

When: Saturday and Sunday, December 1-2

Christmas shoppers are invited to take a break this weekend when a winter pavilion opens in King's Square, Gloucester, on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 December to show popular Christmas films and a variety of crowd-pleasing live music and comedy performances.

Local skiffle-pop rascals Thrill Collins will headline Music Day (Saturday 12.30pm - 8pm) with their unique brand of tongue-in cheek cover versions that has garnered them cult status at Wychwood, Bestival and Glastonbury festivals.

They are joined by former Chip Shop Boys singer Mark Walby who, with his new band, is fast gaining a reputation as one of the premier party acts in the business.

Other acts on Saturday are Letitia George, the soul singer and former contestant of BBC1's The Voice; Cheltenham Garage Rockers, The Strays, Gloucestershire's original contemporary pop choir, Choir Factor; plus a trio of comedy performances from the Christmas Waiters - imagine your very own Morecambe and Wise Christmas show!

On Film Day (Sunday 12 noon to 9pm), the pavilion will become a free pop-up cinema with a back-to-back, quadruple bill of Christmas classics.

Tom Hanks stars in The Polar Express (U) where a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole.

In Home Alone (PG), an eight-year-old troublemaker must protect his house from a pair of burglars as he is left to fend for himself over the holidays.

In Elf (PG), Will Ferrell plays an oversized elf who goes on a quest to discover his true identity.

And finally, an all-star cast of some of Britain's best-loved actors come together in a series of loosely-connected stories for the romantic comedy Love Actually (15).

Deckchair seats will be available on a first come, first served basis. Bring your own blankets!

The Winter Weekender is organised by Marketing Gloucester on behalf of the Gloucester Business Improvement District (BID).

Peter White, centre manager of King's Walk and member of the Gloucester BID board, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the Winter Weekender during one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.

"The free performances of music and Christmas films will enhance the atmosphere of the city centre. The family-friendly nature of the entertainment is sure to increase dwell time of shoppers which will benefit local retailers."

Emily Knight, business & engagement manager at Marketing Gloucester, said: "It's great to be able to bring high quality, free entertainment to King's Square at such an important time for the retail sector.

"People of all ages can enjoy a diverse programme of music, film and comedy in an event that perfectly complements the many other activities taking place in Gloucester during the Christmas period."

Timetable:

Saturday, December 1 (Music Day)

12.30pm - The Choir Factor

1.30pm - Christmas Waiters

2.15pm - Letitia George

3.15pm - Christmas Waiters

4pm - The Strays

5pm - Christmas Waiters

5.45pm - Mark Walby Band

7pm - Thrill Collins

Sunday, December 2 (Film Day)

12pm - The Polar Express (U)

2.15pm - Home Alone (PG)

4.30pm - Elf (PG)

7pm - Love Actually (15)