Have the sense to celebrate (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Have the sense to celebrate

CIRENCESTER residents will be urged to come to their senses at a massive street festival in the town next year.

Local businesses are planning to close the whole of the town centre to traffic and turn it into a two-day circus packed with street performers, crafts and musicians.

The area will be divided into different sections - each devoted to one of the five senses - sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing.

And the newly formed Retail Forum, which is organising the event, says local retailers will also be heavily involved.

Group chairman Simian Jacobs, who runs Roxtons in West Market Place, said: "The idea is that the more people explore the town the more they will find.

"Local schools, farmers and co-operatives will also be able to show people what they can do and what they have to offer."

The Retail Forum, which was formed in conjunction with Cotswold District Council, is made up of various local businesses.

Mr Jacobs said he hoped to get 75 per cent of the town's retailers involved in the group and welcomed any ideas in relation to the Festival of the Senses.

The event is planned for the last weekend of June 2004 and will also feature classical music and rock concerts.