Baker Brothers set for lights switch-on (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Baker Brothers set for lights switch-on

8:53am Friday 26th October 2012 in News By Laura Shack

A DUO famous for having the best buns in the Cotswolds will be switching on Cirencester’s Christmas lights next month.

TV’s Fabulous Baker Brothers Tom and Henry Herbert, who are based in the Cotswolds, will light up the town on Friday, November 30 at a later time of 6pm.

In response to public criticism at last year’s earlier switch-on of 4.30pm, Cirencester Town Council has pushed for the later slot in an attempt to draw in a larger crowd for the event.

The Hobbs House Bakery pair, who are currently recording their second series of the popular Channel 4 cookery programme, will be on hand to sign autographs beforehand, from 4pm to 5pm at Octavia’s Bookshop on Black Jack Street.

Tom said they could not wait to flick the switch.

"It's a real honour and a great way to light up the end of a very special Jubilee Olympic year in the town near where our bakery started," he said.

The Market Place ceremony will kick off at around 4.40pm with live music from the Cirencester Kingshill School Samba Band, local pop performer Abbie Lea and high-energy Gloucestershire folk band the Roving Crows.

Street entertainers will intersperse with the crowd and the town’s festive wooden chalets will be open for a spot of Christmas shopping, offering a range of gifts, clothing, toys, plus food and drinks.

In its third year of running, Cirencester’s two-week Christmas Market will also feature an ice skating rink for the very first time.

Set in the Abbey Grounds just a few steps away from the Parish Church and its festival of trees, the rink will be opened with a roar in a ‘magical’ ceremony on Sunday, December 1, from 11am to 12pm.

The cast of ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ from Cirencester College’s performing arts team will open the rink and give spectators a sneak preview of their show, which runs from December 11 to 14 at the Sundial Theatre.

Cirencester’s Christmas Market will run from Friday, November 30 until Sunday, December 16, with market stalls open from 10am to 6pm daily.

To find out more about Cirencester’s Christmas Market visit christmasincirencester.org.uk For details and to book tickets for the ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ at the Sundial Theatre, call 01285 654228 or visit sundial-theatre.co.uk