LARGE crowds flocked to Cirencester Advent Market event over the weekend officially marking the start of the festive season. 

The town was packed with families enjoying live music, performances, street entertainment and Christmas activities. 

The lights were also switched on yesterday, Saturday, with town mayor Sabrina Dixon and a representative from headline sponsor Sewell Mullings Logie Solicitors. 

The festivities also continued on throughout today, Sunday, as well. 

There were also more than 200 stalls on both days across Castle Street, the Market Place and Cricklade Street. 

Meanwhile, several local dance, theatre groups, choirs and musicians also performed inside St John's Parish Church on Saturday.

Photos by Simon Pizzey with additional photos from Gloucestershire Camera Club member Debbie Jones and Ian Lloyd Graham. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Pictures from Cirencester’s Advent Market and Light Switch-On event - photo by Simon PizzeyPictures from Cirencester’s Advent Market and Light Switch-On event - photo by Simon Pizzey (Image: Simon Pizzey)

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Human fruit machine for Cirencester Rotary L to R; David Lattimore, Liz Tovey and President Chris Tovey - photo by Simon PizzeyHuman fruit machine for Cirencester Rotary L to R; David Lattimore, Liz Tovey and President Chris Tovey - photo by Simon Pizzey (Image: Simon Pizzey)

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Father Christmas and Elf Reggie Hill, eight - photo by Simon PizzeyFather Christmas and Elf Reggie Hill, eight - photo by Simon Pizzey (Image: Simon Pizzey)

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Same Difference Arts The Nutcrackers signing traditional carols - photo by Simon PizzeySame Difference Arts The Nutcrackers signing traditional carols - photo by Simon Pizzey (Image: Simon Pizzey)

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: L to R; Chloe Williams, Eileen Ruck, Emily Ruck, on the Madetts Game Stall, cooking - photo by Simon PizzeyL to R; Chloe Williams, Eileen Ruck, Emily Ruck, on the Madetts Game Stall, cooking - photo by Simon Pizzey (Image: Simon Pizzey)

Extra pictures from Gloucestershire Camera Club members: 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Pictures from Cirencester Advent Christmas Market - photo by Gloucestershire Camera Club member Ian Lloyd Graham Pictures from Cirencester Advent Christmas Market - photo by Gloucestershire Camera Club member Ian Lloyd Graham  (Image: Ian Lloyd Graham)

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Pictures from Cirencester Advent Christmas Market - photo by Gloucestershire Camera Club member Ian Lloyd Graham Pictures from Cirencester Advent Christmas Market - photo by Gloucestershire Camera Club member Ian Lloyd Graham (Image: Ian Lloyd Graham)

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Photo by Gloucestershire Camera Club member Debbie JonesPhoto by Gloucestershire Camera Club member Debbie Jones (Image: Debbie Jones)