Enjoy a Charity Christmas Day in Cirencester Park this Thursday 22nd Dec

Enjoy a charity Christmas celebration in Cirencester Park this Thursday 22nd December 2022 supported by The Steadings Cirencester in support of local community groups and raising funds for Gloucestershire-based charities. With a programme that includes a morning dog walk and treasure hunt, a jolly hello from Father Christmas, singing from Cirencester-based theatre group The Phoenix Revue and an afternoon of carols from local choirs Siren Sisters and The Cirencester Male Voice Choir, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

In the morning, after a welcome from Father Christmas accompanied by Lord and Lady Apsley, the cast from The Phoenix Revue's 'Jack and the Beanstalk' will get everyone in the spirit of Christmas with a performance of festive tunes including Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and Let It Go from Disney's Frozen. At 10.15 am there will be a Santa Paws Dog Walk and children's treasure hunt, organised by the local Cirencester Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, from the Beano to the top of The Broad Avenue, looping back through some of the most scenic parts of the Park. (Duration approximately 1.5 hours; dogs must be kept on leads.) There will be signs and clues for families to follow throughout the walk. On return to Beano, there will be treats for children and furry friends supplied by the charity Aim Up, with prizes for the winners of the treasure hunt. There will also be the chance to meet Guide Dogs and some puppies! Don't miss out on cuddles!
At 2.30 pm, Father Christmas returns. After a welcome from The Earl and Countess Bathurst, the Cirencester Male Voice Choir and Siren Sisters will perform a host of well-loved carols and festive tunes - everyone is welcome to join in and song sheets will be provided. Lady Bathurst's charity the National Federation for Retired Service Animals will be on-site all afternoon selling gorgeous goodies, with all funds raised going to the charity to support its important work.

Summary of timings:
09.30 Registration for Santa Paws Dog Walk opens
10.00 A festive welcome with Father Christmas and songs with The Phoenix Revue
10.15 Walk and treasure hunt begins!
12.30 Morning activities come to an end
14.30 A festive welcome with Father Christmas
14.45 Christmas carols with Siren Sisters and the Cirencester Male Voice Choir
16.00 Ends

Funds will be raised throughout the day to support the following Gloucestershire-based charities: The NFRSA - The National Foundation for Retired Service Animals helps support dogs and horses from the police, fire, prison and border force in their twilight years.
The Cirencester Male Voice Choir - a fun social and highly talented choir that sings and performs concerts to raise money for charity. Cirencester Guide Dogs for the Blind - the local fundraising group for guide dogs, who run events and initiatives all year round to support this national charity.
Aim Up - a Cheltenham-based charity set up to enable adults with disabilities, complex needs, behaviours that challenge and mental health conditions, to live the life they want, regardless of their disability.
The event is supported by The Steadings, Cirencester - a new development where placemaking and community are a priority.

Image of Cirencester Park courtesy of www.gettyimages.co.uk