The Farmers Market in Cirencester will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year.

The first ever market in the town was held on September 11, 1999, so on September 14 later this year, almost 20 years to the day, a special Farmers Market will be held to commemorate the occasion.

Corinium Ales will be producing a celebratory beer to mark the occasion.

The commemoration is amongst a variety of events announced by Cirencester Town Council as part of this year's calender.

This year, there are even more Speciality Markets as well as the annual favourites like the Youth Market, Fleece Fayre, Mop Fair and Christmas in Cirencester festivities.

The Classic Car Shows, that were particularly popular in 2018, return this year for two dates and in aid of Cirencester Housing for Young People.

New additions to the calendar include a Garden Market over the Easter Weekend, where the market place will become a sea of spring colours, and the gastronomic success of the Food Festival will be extended to be held over two days in 2019.

It it also hoped that the Twilight Markets will return during the summer months, with arrangements being finalised.

A charity and community market will be held in August to provide a platform for local charities and community organisations and groups to publicise their work and raise funds.

Leaflets compiling all the events will be available shortly from the Local Information Centre at Bingham House and around the town.

Local artists were asked to submit their work to be considered for the front cover, with Lizzie Hammond’s image being chosen.

Councillor Mark Harris, lead member for community services said: “We loved Lizzie's picture and it perfectly complements the variety of markets and events for the town in 2019. "I'm delighted that in addition to our regular favourites we are adding even more to the mix."