A STARRY lineup of speakers gave an array of insightful talks at the first Cotswold Homes & Interiors Festival over the weekend.

The Corn Hall in Cirencester was buzzing with activity on Saturday, March 2 as design lovers braved the rain to find out more about the district's bustling home and interiors scene. 

Former Changing Rooms presenter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen delivered a popular talk about Cotswold design that drew a big crowd to the hall's mezzanine floor.

Further talks spanned a range of topics, covering everything from antique restoration to fabrics.

Shoppers were also treated to an abundance of stalls which offered homeware products from excited independent business owners.

The event was organised by the Cotswold District Council, led by its economic development lead Paul James.

Mr James hopes the festival will become an annual event in Cirencester to help promote businesses and generate footfall in the town centre.

Ahead of the event, Mr James said: "It struck me that there were lots of really good homes and interiors businesses in Cirencester and the surrounding area, and I thought that this was something we ought to try and build upon.

"We hope, if this year is a success, to make this an annual event and to grow it every year.

"We want it to be reflective of talent that the wider area offers, not just in Cirencester, so have traders attending from across the district.

"We have a very strong home and interior sector in the Cotswolds and hope this festival will help highlight this and help it to grow."

All pictures were taken by photographer Simon Pizzey.