COLOURFUL life-size hare models will once again bounce into Cirencester this spring, after fans of last year's hugely popular festival called for the return of the event.

Following the success of the Cirencester March Hare Festival 2014, organiser Florence Beetlestone has announce that the spectacular will return.

And the people who decorate the hares for the trail will be able to buy them to keep, unlike last year when they were all sold off at auction to raise money for charity.

“I’d always planned it to be an annual event,” said Florence. “All the responses I had were people saying why didn’t I do it again.”

The 2014 event saw 50 five foot tall hares leap into Cirencester, each uniquely decorated and sponsored by schools, firms and notable figures in the area.

Accompanying the models were around 25 life-size hares, which took pride of place in many restaurant and shop windows.

People from all over the country visited to take part in a trail which tasked them with finding every hare around the town, and this year there will be a 'passport' book for people to stamp each time they spot one of the models.

There will also be seven five-foot tall hares which will be placed in Cirencester permanently for the town's people to enjoy.

“People loved the trail element so there will be a new passport trail this year,” said Florence. “They also loved the fact that it is free. Most things these days have a charge, so it being free was a key element. Also people wanted permanent hares so there will be seven new large hares along the Hare Festival walkway for everyone to enjoy.”

She added: “We will be selling the hares to sponsors as long as they decorate them and put them on the trail.

"They will be cheaper than last year too. It costs £180 undecorated or £350 if you want an artist to decorate it.”

This year’s festival from March 28 with workshops at Chedworth Roman Villa and Cirencester’s Corinium Museum where people can decorate miniature hares.

The passport trail will run from May 25 to September 14.

From June 13 to 28, there will be a festival of hare-related arts, crafts music and dance across the town, in partnership with Cirencester College.

To get involved in this year's Hare Festival, email cirenharefest@gmail.com