A TREE planting ceremony today marked the opening of the Abbey 900 Festival to celebrate the founding of Cirencester's Abbey.

Patron of the festival - the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek -  planted the tree at the Abbey Grounds. 

Guests assembled in the parish church at 2.30pm before proceeding to the Abbey Grounds where prayers were taken.

A commemorative quilt created by five schools in the town - Powell's Primary, Cirencester Primary, Chesterton Primary, North Cerney Primary and Deer Park School - was presented to the Bishop of Gloucester.

In explaining their creation, children from Powell's Primary School said that the quilt showed medicinal herbs grown in the Abbey Grounds 900 years ago.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(The Bishop of Gloucester with children at Powell's Primary School by the commemorative quilt for the Abbey 900 celebrations)

Later in the day, the Bishop will conduct a service in the parish church, followed by a drinks and canapes reception.

The Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Treweek said: "It's a very historic occasion. Today is about standing in the present, celebrating the past and looking to the future. 

"We are planting a tree in soil of the past, doing it in the present and it will grow for the future. It is symbolic of new life in Cirencester."

Video of the tree planting below:

Corinne Lamus, chair of Abbey 900 steering group, said: "It is so amazing to see so many people here.

"There has not been a tree planted at that spot since a very very long time and we had to get special permission to plant one there. 

"The festival is really taking shape."

Lady Bathurst, current High Sheriff, attended the ceremony and read a psalm before the tree was planted. 

She said: "It is absolutely fantastic, not only for Cirencester but for the history of Cirencester."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(The Bishop of Gloucester outside Cirencester Parish Church reading a prayer)

Lord Bathurst also commented: "It's a wonderful festival. I think it is tremendous what people have done.

"Corinne has done so much work and it is brilliant to see volunteers coming together to make things happen. Good luck to everyone."

Town mayor Mark Harris likewise was excited about the festival: "It will be a great year of events in Cirencester."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(Bishop of Gloucester Rachel Treweek, second left, Lady Bathurst, third left, town mayor Mark Harris, second right)

The next event for the Abbey900 celebrations is a black tie banquet and a fundraising auction in the Bathurst Suite at the Royal Agricultural University.

The banquet will be on Friday, March 3 at 7pm for a 7.45pm start.

For more details about this and other events, visit: abbey900ciren.org.uk.