Description

Founded in 1919, Cirencester Band is a non-contesting or community band providing entertainment for audiences and it's members. With players aged from 9 to 99, we play because we enjoy it and we hope you will enjoy listening to us.

Following the 1914-1918 war a support organisation called the 'Comrades of the Great War' was formed in Cirencester on 5th February 1919; similar organisations were formed in many towns at about the same time. Shortly after bandsmen returning from the services and joining the association got together to form the 'Comrades of the Great War Band' under the direction of Mr S Stevens. Rehearsals began at the Temperance Hall in Thomas Street on Monday and Thursday evenings between 7:00pm and 9:00pm with many of the instruments being 'borrowed' from the regiments the men had served with.

The first public appearance of the band was in Cirencester on Sunday 9th November 1919 at the first Armistice Parade. Over 250 members of the 'Comrades' were on parade that day, led by their own Band.

The Band's next appearance was at Christmas when they made their first tour of the town and the hospitals.

Cirencester is twinned with Itzehoe, a town in North Germany.

Cirencester Band is twinned with Oelixdorfer Musikzug, a band based in the village of Oelixdorf on the edge of Itzehoe.

The Band was one of the first organisations to establish links with Itzehoe and it’s link with the Oelixdorfer Musikzug both predates, and helped lead to, the official twinning between Cirencester and Itzehoe.

The band is available for concerts, celebrations, fetes, charity events, church services, etc. If you are interested in booking the band see 'how to book the band' for details of the procedure. You can contact us for a 'no obligation' quote and we are happy to discuss your ideas if you need help planning our contribution to your event.

Description

The church is open throughout the year and welcomes thousands of visitors a year as well as its regular worshipping community who all see the church as a source of peace and prayer. Although full of history, the Parish Church of St John Baptist is a living building and everyone is valued here.

A warm welcome exists for visitors and there are short written guides available in most main languages to suit those who come from all over the world. Guided tours are also arranged, usually on Tuesdays or Thursdays, led by members of the church. Longer written guides and booklets about this magnificent and historical church are available from the book shop within the church itself.

Inside St John Baptist, the visitor is immediately surrounded by a cathedral-type environment, full of history, yet totally linked with a modern worshipping community. Inside the North door a bookstall and souvenir shop welcome all who visit. There are always volunteer stewards on duty to answer questions and notices are posted as to when the tours are planned to allow visitors to see, in detail, this wonderful church. The main body of the church seats over 500 and there are four side chapels for smaller services.

There is daily Eucharist and Evening Prayer, also mid-day prayers. On Sunday, there is an 8am BCP Eucharist, the main service is a Common Worship sung Eucharist at 10.00 am. At 6.00pm there is a sung BCP Evensong. Monthly an all-age service, with simplified liturgy, is prepared where young people assist with prayers, readings and presentations. On other Sundays the cildren attend 'Sparks', an activity group.

Pre-school children have a Little Angels service each Thursday afternoon. Because of its size the church is used for Civic and Remembrance Day services , large weddings, funerals, memorial services and concerts. The major Festivals are frequently celebrated with full ceremonial in high Anglican tradition and there is an historic collection of donated plate and vestments. The church has a tradition of a high standard of choral music.

5 Market Place,

Cirencester,

Gloucestershire,

England,

GL7 2NX.