THE Barn Theatre will be partnering with Cirencester Town Council to deliver A Song for Cirencester at the Christmas Advent Festival this year.

A Song for Cirencester, written by The Barn Theatre’s creative team, will premiere at the Advent Festival and audience members will be encouraged to join in and create a huge community choir on December 2, 6pm at Market Place.

The song is being taught to members of the community through free singing workshops in businesses, schools and community groups.

The song will be released as a charity single and all proceeds will go to mental health charities: Cotswold Counselling and Mind.

Nigel Robbins, Mayor of Cirencester, said: "Cirencester Town Council are delighted to be involved in ‘A Song for Cirencester’.

"A wonderful initiative, bringing the town together to celebrate Christmas through the medium of song whilst spreading awareness for such a worthy and poignant cause, particularly at this time of year.

"The councillors and team at the town council are looking forward to the singing workshop and working with the Barn Theatre on such an exciting project."

Iwan Lewis, Artistic Director, The Barn Theatre, said: "Raising awareness of mental health is something we’re truly passionate about at The Barn Theatre.

"We know about the proven mental health benefits that both singing together in groups and participation in the performing arts can bring.

"We’re determined to use our platform to gather the local community together and raise money and awareness for mental health services this Christmas."

To book a workshop to learn the song, contact christmas@barntheatre.org.uk

Alternatively, you can teach yourself the song via a video hosted at Barntheatre.org.uk

The Barn Theatre will be launching as a professional venue in March next year. The team is campaigning to raise awareness around mental health and the ways in which performing arts can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.